This guy beat Jordan, Bird, Magic in order to win 2 titles. A floor general, could score 30 when needed, or could feed Vinnie, Joe or Laimbeer at will. Best defender at Point Guard ever with Payton, Always the funniest guy to watch in the All Star Game. Brought toughness, hatred and fueled the most intense rivalries ever. Think about it, without this guy there wouldn't have been no Celtics-Pistons, no Bulls-Pistons and no Lakers-Pistons rivalries, which, along with C's-Lakers and C's-76ers defined the best decade in Nba history. I don't give a cent about what people say, it's enough to see how much respect Shaq, CWebb, Reggie, Barkley tribute him every time he talks ball. This guy is a Basketball Hero.
He's only underrated by those with an agenda or those that don't know the history of the game. In terms of "pure pg skills", there's none better IMO. BS egos or not, he should have been the Dream Team PG. Grown men acting like divas...
Isiah Thomas played during a period in the NBA when the best players to ever walk onto the court were playing. Jordan, Magic, Bird... The list goes on. The Golden age of the NBA
It's a shame that Isiah doesn't get the credit that he deserves. A small pg playing in the most physical era of basketball playing against giants while dominating them on his way to the finals. We will never see another pg like Isiah. Great job with the video.
I saw them all in person, in college and NBA-Baylor, West, Russell, Chamberlin, Oscar, Jabar, Dr J., Bird, Magic, Jordon, LaBron ....Isiah was the smallest and had the most pure talent of all of them. He beat all of his HOF peers head to head, night after night; Zeke, the consummate team player and competitor.
Thank you for posting this video. I really hate when people put Stockton above or even in the same tier as Isiah and Magic at the PG position. Isiah was a floor general, a scorer, play maker, clutch, and he had that X factor killer instinct to win. He was never playing not to lose. He was always playing to win. That puts Isiah in the same boat with Magic Jordan Bird and Russell. Which is why rival pairs could not stand each other.
André Marceau it depends on the team. I'm a huge Isaiah fan. I take Magic above him and Stockton right below. Stockton is absolutely in the same tier as Isaiah as a point guard but not as offensively or athletically talented. Stockton couldn't carry a team as the main guy like Isaiah could. Absolutely better than Stockton but I also have a lot of respect for Stockton as a point guard. Zeke was a warrior though and I LOVED his game. Man he could dribble and his midrange combined with his ability to finish at the rim was unstoppable. Not to mention he was tough as nails. How he is underrated and overlooked so much is beyond me.
Andre Marceau, your absolutely right. Stockton was great, but he certainly couldnt carry team. Plus Stockton had the mailman, and and still couldnt put a ring on it. Thats why I included the Karl Malone revenge elbow and a few highlights of the game Isiah gave Stockton that 44 point scorching as a message to the dream team selection committee. If you lined all of the players that carried their respective teams on their backs and won titles throughout the entire history of the NBA, there will be only one short guy in that line, and everybody knows who that short guy is.
@@jumbroni6014 Zeke and the Pistons acquired Dantley in 86-87, one of the greatest SF of all-time & immediately became contenders, the Pistons went from unable to get out of the 2nd round to the ECF in 87 & the Finals in 88. Then by 89 Rodman & Dumars reached their primes & were All-NBA defenders, the Pistons traded Dantley for Aguirre another HOFer/all time great SF. And you have Mahorn a great defender/enforcer, Laimbeer an All-Star, elite defender & one of the best stretch C's of all time, and Vinny the microwave coming of the bench. So the Pistons during their champions yrs had 4 HOFers in their prime.
I am still trying to figure out how you can ask his enemies that he defeated by cutting out their heart literally do you want to play with the guy who crucified you? He dethroned Bird, picked Magics ear, kept Jordan at bay, manhandled Barkley, torched Stockton, but now you ask his enemies do you want to play w him? Even Clyde the glide who Isiah beat said that that was bullshit. Isaiah beat everybody s as s on that dream team! Isaiah better than all them bums crying they didn't want to play w him. Cause he kicked your as s and your in your feelings. Period
I swear, i miss old school basketball, players were like super hero's, and villains who both had different and unique super powers coming together to do battle....watching those games were like a good comic book come to life on the court.
finally someone said what I always been thinking. The players back in the day were superheroes. To this day I don't understand how a guy in Charles barkley who is only a inch taller than Dwayne wade was able to play is whole career at PF and be super efficient and become a hall of famer and one of the greatest rebounders of all time. And ran the floor like a SF. I see why wilt chamberlain liked him so much. As for Isiah he's a top 10 ball handler of all time. You just didn't get to see much of it with how the game was played and the rules. If him and tim hardaway played in todays era. People would be like Kyrie who.
12 time Nba All-star, 2 x all star MVP, 2 x Nba Champion, NCCA Champion..2 x Olympian..!!! NAME 50 GREATEST PLAYER.#The Original Number #11.. Zeke !! baby!
He was fun to watch! Had everything: talent, class, personality! That's why he was hated and they are still spreading lies about him. One of the best that ever played the game !!!
As a ‘Detroit’ kid in the 80-90’s growing up was all about Barry Sanders, Steve Yzerman, Kirk Gibson(local boy done good!!!) and Zeke! What a time of sports hero’s.... so thankful for all of it! Those guys made my childhood... and obviously Ernie Harwell (the voice of summer) thanks you’re all #1 in my book
You should do a Kyrie Irving and Isiah one, showing the moves Kyrie took form Isiah... They actually play very similar and i'm sure Kyrie looks at Isiah's tape for ideas.
I wish there was more film evidence of Isiah's passing Genius. At one point Isiah worked his way up to 3rd in All Time Assists, and when he played, Isiah was usually good for at least one spectacular assist a game.
There actually is more footage of those year's, remember George Bloaha, and Harry Hut in the truck pistons basketball network? We watched every single game home and away, it was awesome, he was our GOAT!!!!From 1981 until Zeke retired ,
I was never really an Isaiah Thomas fan; thought he was a bit dirty. Looking at these highlights- he schooled Michael Jordan more than a few times. It's right here. A young prime Mike too. Got to give him his props.
Isiah does not get the credit he deserves. He was a clutch player as good as Larry or Jordan. When there was 10 seconds on the clock, the only way to stop him was to foul him. His small stature didn't give him the highlights of a Michael Jordan or Labron James, but his true basketball skill was unparalleled. Imagine his abilities if he played today where smaller players can enter the paint without being physically assaulted.
Simple reason. Sports are always controlled and the league wanted LA to be the face of the NBA. Pistons torched the Lakers multiple times so the league never promoted the Pistons and disbanded their dynasty.
@@east00 ,id hardly call losing to Magic in the finals & then beating him the following year in the finals torching the lakers multiple times, the following year the pistons didnt play the lakers, they beat Portland, Isaiah gets a bad wrap because he walked off the floor when MJ finally beat him, whats bs about that is first, MJ said in a interview a day before the final game that the pistons were a illegitimate champion & second, when the pistons finally beat Boston Larry Bird & the celtics did the same thing & ran off the court to their lockeroom before the game was over & didnt shake the pistons hands & I dont remember the pistons crying about it.
@@slayerbob213 refs cheated Pistons the 1 loss against Lakers. Bad foul calling. League hated that Pistons were so dominate. They did it scoring a lot then switched to winning with defense later years.
@@east00 Facts looking back they made the Pistons give up Rick Rick Mahorn which weakened them. That was the beginning of the end. Thst was bullshit. The Pistons had a salary cap and all the players fell within it then they made up that expansion bullshit. Could you imagine had Rick remained the Bulls dont win in 91. Jordan nor Pippen not flying in the Paint.
Everyone forgot about the Pistons 3 guard rotation of Vinnie Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, then Rodman and Sally coming off the bench. Rodman hall of Famer was second string? It was like the Pistons had two independent starting 5s that could beat you. Even Edwards could shoot and bigman Bill Laimbeer the only center in the NBA that could shoot threes. (THINK ABOUT THAT).
Nah.. I could understand why he wasn't on the roster.. he was one of the best pg.. but with his attitude, it drove so many superstars to somehow hate him.. but that's how he is.. we cannot change history.. we can just think about how good he was and how smart he was.. the leader of the bad boys pistons and one of the smartest players in that era..
@@edjaedavid6362 when play for the USA player suppose put their diffence aside for the greater good of the country peroid.MJ should us all that is feels are more iimportant the unification of the natioin is secound to him yeah a roll model for kids.
He isnt liked thats why hes not talked about enough but the man was fearless and talented. Ive heard many bad stories about him but this man knew what he had to do and did it. I didnt watch enough of him but this video shows how he was a winner.
There's a reason why Stockton chosen Isaiah to induct him into HOF. Stockton respects zeke even when his peers (magic bird mike) didn't, I salute Stockton. I always hoped Stafford would be the Isaiah for the lions, but at least I have zeke. I often forget how great he was for the pistons and the city of Detroit. He's on my second all time NBA team as the #2 PG. Big thanks for this vid!
Another reason why Stockton choose Zeke in my opinion is because he knew he was given the 2nd point guard spot that should've been given to Zeke. As much as MJ is my favorite player and the GOAT, what he did to Isiah was childish.
The only player who I have personally saw, fall on the court, never losing his dribble, then get off the floor, while still not losing his dribble, and score! He was the Captain, General, and heart of the Pistons! A truly great player!!
THE BABY-FACED ASSASSIN!! ISIAH THOMAS WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE POINT GUARD!!!! HE HAD CRAZY HANDLES, EXCELLENT DEFENSE, GREAT PASSER,GOOD REBOUNDER, TEAM PLAYER,EXCELLENT SCORER(INSIDE OR OUTSIDE) AND A GREAT FLOOR GENERAL.
I can tell a couple of these are from Pontiac Silverdome. I saw a few games there back in early 80's. They had to curtain off like a quarter or more of the Dome. Kelly Tripuka days. Then went to many at the Palace. Great memories, OH ISIAH! LOOK UP!
I wasn’t alive for the prime of this guy’s career. But just from watching these highlights, you can tell he would’ve been one of those players you love if he’s on your team and hate if he isn’t. The handles, the grit, the toughness. Backs down from nobody. A lot of people have compared Kyrie Irving to him. Kyrie has the talent no doubt. But he doesn’t have those winners intangibles to be the best player on a championship team like IT was for the Pistons. If Pat Bev had all star abilities, I feel like this is what we’d see.
Now I understand why Isiah Thomas was hated. He was MJ's worst nightmare and many other players feared this "Bad boy". This guy could makes moves that not even MJ made. No wonder they didn't want to see him in the DREAM TEAM because he was going to outshine them. Kudos Isiah! You belong to the Hall of Fame!
I can see why Jordan would have such a hard time with Zeke and also why Jordan would eventually beat him. Despite the height difference, they were actually very similar players. Both floor generals who could win games at will. Insanely, some would say unhealthily, competitive. Incredible levels of raw athletic talent. Superhuman ability to guard and cleanly steal the ball. Basketball fundamentals perfectionists. Masters of footwork. Post-up punishers. Lethal midrange jumpers. And in terms of how they moved and how they scored--very similar. Jordan was basically a taller and larger but slightly slower version of Zeke, which made Zeke a nightmare opponent for him--but one he would eventually be able to beat---because he was, well, taller, larger, and just as insanely competitive.
you know your stuff. Zeke and Jordan are the two most competitive and have the two strongest killer mindsets in the history of the NBA. Honorable mentions to players like Iverson, Bird, Westbrook, etc.
I'm from Detroit. I was 10-years old when I watched Isiah cut down the net in the NCAA championships in Indiana... It's one of my greatest life experiences to have been able to be along for the ride with the Pistons when they drafted him and watch Isiah grow as player, year after year, watch him and trader Jack slowly build the Pistons into the bad boys... it was a slow journey but worth riding along... Isiah, joe D and Vinnie were the greatest backcourt in history IMO....thank you Isiah for staying with Detroit your entire career... Isiah Thomas, Gordie Howe, Joe Loius, Al Kaline, Barry Sanders Detroit should have a sports icon Mt. Rushmore.... with zeke in the center spot...
Greatest Point guard of all time! And I'm from Michigan and grew up a magic Johnson fan, until Zeke showup in 1982.. He's owned Magic. Magic could never handle Zeke. Zeke destroy our home town hero all the time.
@OIP ! You're young. Better check the tape on their twice per year matchups. Zeke, always bested magic. Magic could not keep up with Zeke. Zeke was to fast and smaller for my man Magic ( 6'9) to contain. So, Zeke would torch his boy everytime.
Simply superb on another level of the meaning of the word. Mostly he and Jordan did not guard each other. But when they did, Isiah Thomas ate Michael's lunch. Ball don't lie.
Zeke was so fast, you had to watch the rerun just to see how the hell he scored so fast, he's only 6 f 1 inches, he was our magic, bird, doc, and Jordan, he was everything to Detroit, and will never be forgotten here in Detroit
Finally, a video that shows Isiah's true value, heart and skill. I have him as the 2nd greatest PG ever and the greatest little man of all time as well. Isiah was one of the greatest leaders and team players of all time. I used to mimic his dribbling style growing up; probably the smoothest dribbler in the open court and in traffic.
My second greatest point guard ever. He could play in any era and be the man. That's what makes him great. Put him in this era of hands off he'd average 40 EZ
Magic used to give these summer games in the 80s that I would attend when they were in LA, and they were spectacular. Because they were more of a free style game. And it would be D Wilkins, M Aguirre, S Perkins, G Gervin, just to name a few. But, Isaiah Thomas to me would always turn it out with his passing, dribbling, as well as his wit (IQ) on the court, he is a very special player, as well as a person, who I once met and was able to shake hands and say well done!! Thanks for this video!! Mic'2023
I have to congratulate the video creator for the choice of music here. That combined with the highlights almost makes this video emotional. And this is coming from a Michael Jordan guy who 'hated' the Bad Boys. No one can deny Zeke's talent and skills though. Too bad his personal behaviour was what it was. Despite that he still is a top 20 player of all time for me. Watching this video has become an annual thing for me lately. I got Zeke's dark matter card in 2K yesterday so here I am. He currently leads my starting 5 as the point guard and plays with The Glide, The Doctor, The Worm and Dirk.
Isaiah Thomas greatest pure point guard in the NBA history too bad envy and jealousy stopped others from really understanding how great this man was especially Michael Jordan
You can tell the age of comments section when nobody mentions zeke in the best handles list...besides all the rest you can tell he slept with the ball...creativity off the charts...didn't break stride like all gifted dribble artists....miss watching that era...
I was living in the Metropolitan Detroit area when the Pistons went back to back OMG! Some of my best sports memories of my life. The "BAD BOYS". Laimbeer, Mahorn, Rodman, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson & all the rest of the champions. Never forget
Zeke is so underrated. A consummate leader, clutch performer, defensive anchor, Captain, and the only player to defeat prime Magic, Bird, Jordan, and Drexler.
Untouchable. There was no matchup too great for this player. I'm a Celtics fan and I know first hand what a killer he was. Better than Jordan in my opinion. Just had a major injury that stopped him. He was everything for the pistons. No player was ever more important for his team. I was both in awe and in fear of this guy every time he had the ball. Best ball handler in the history of the game. And a true champion.
I like magic Johnson he was one of my favorite players of all time as a kid. His height and passing made him special but the best guard overall for any era any style offense and defense is zeek.
This guy beat Jordan, Bird, Magic in order to win 2 titles.
A floor general, could score 30 when needed, or could feed Vinnie, Joe or Laimbeer at will. Best defender at Point Guard ever with Payton,
Always the funniest guy to watch in the All Star Game.
Brought toughness, hatred and fueled the most intense rivalries ever.
Think about it, without this guy there wouldn't have been no Celtics-Pistons, no Bulls-Pistons and no Lakers-Pistons rivalries, which, along with C's-Lakers and C's-76ers defined the best decade in Nba history.
I don't give a cent about what people say, it's enough to see how much respect Shaq, CWebb, Reggie, Barkley tribute him every time he talks ball.
This guy is a Basketball Hero.
@Nicholas Pagano LMAO you can't be serious
@Nicholas Pagano L
@@jeremyleveille1532 I'm sure he's not serious
@Nicholas Pagano those guys may have been better defenders, but in any other category they're not even in the conversation against Isiah.
They all beat him as well to win numerous championship
The most underrated "great" ever. He had about as much heart as anyone. Straight killer.
Zeke, Jordan, Bird, Kobe, Magic, and Iverson all had unhuman-like guts and determination.
Ball Is Life hell yeah!!!!
Ball Is Life. I agree.
He was all heart. Skills came with practice. He wanted out of poverty. Badly.
He's only underrated by those with an agenda or those that don't know the history of the game.
In terms of "pure pg skills", there's none better IMO.
BS egos or not, he should have been the Dream Team PG. Grown men acting like divas...
Born in Chicago. Went to Indiana. Played for Detroit. He can get free food all over the Midwest 🤣
Fr fr!
feet eater King of Midwest hoops.
@@deucewayne449 yup Magic never wanted to come back. He said if Chicago had won the 1st pick and tried to draft him he would've went back to school
Stephen May I didn't know that.
💯
Defense, steals, blocked shots, tip dunks, dunks on the break, jumpers, passes, GREATNESS.
Isiah Thomas played during a period in the NBA when the best players to ever walk onto the court were playing. Jordan, Magic, Bird... The list goes on. The Golden age of the NBA
He took mj to school more than a few times in this video. Not a fan of either. But Thomas was no joke.
and he won them all.
It's a shame that Isiah doesn't get the credit that he deserves. A small pg playing in the most physical era of basketball playing against giants while dominating them on his way to the finals. We will never see another pg like Isiah. Great job with the video.
People will never understand how good this man was.
People who watched him know. That's all that matters.
@@nasawalker7594 the Bulls know.
I do
Great is a better term but I agree.
m.soundcloud.com/tyrell-horn-545355537/l352-good-time-mstr-wav
Best guard pound for pound in history 👌🏼
The Last Dance sent me here. Thomas is a legendary talent.
Twenty-five points in one quarter on a severely sprained ankle during the playoffs! There's only one Isiah Thomas!!
m.soundcloud.com/tyrell-horn-545355537/l352-good-time-mstr-wav
During the Finals..he was what legends are made of.
This man stopped GOATS. Maybe not the Goat but his passion and talent is what makes him the GOAT for me.
m.soundcloud.com/tyrell-horn-545355537/l352-good-time-mstr-wav
Better than steph
The greatest point guard ever
GOAT PG 2 ME
@@heavyweight6855 mmm not better than magic but he is better than all the pgs this season FS
I saw them all in person, in college and NBA-Baylor, West, Russell, Chamberlin, Oscar, Jabar, Dr J., Bird, Magic, Jordon, LaBron ....Isiah was the smallest and had the most pure talent of all of them. He beat all of his HOF peers head to head, night after night; Zeke, the consummate team player and competitor.
O wow you're pretty old
Him and MJ r 2 much alike but q was picked 2 b the face of the league
Thank you for posting this video. I really hate when people put Stockton above or even in the same tier as Isiah and Magic at the PG position. Isiah was a floor general, a scorer, play maker, clutch, and he had that X factor killer instinct to win. He was never playing not to lose. He was always playing to win. That puts Isiah in the same boat with Magic Jordan Bird and Russell. Which is why rival pairs could not stand each other.
André Marceau it depends on the team. I'm a huge Isaiah fan. I take Magic above him and Stockton right below. Stockton is absolutely in the same tier as Isaiah as a point guard but not as offensively or athletically talented. Stockton couldn't carry a team as the main guy like Isaiah could. Absolutely better than Stockton but I also have a lot of respect for Stockton as a point guard. Zeke was a warrior though and I LOVED his game. Man he could dribble and his midrange combined with his ability to finish at the rim was unstoppable. Not to mention he was tough as nails. How he is underrated and overlooked so much is beyond me.
Andre Marceau, your absolutely right. Stockton was great, but he certainly couldnt carry team. Plus Stockton had the mailman, and and still couldnt put a ring on it. Thats why I included the Karl Malone revenge elbow and a few highlights of the game Isiah gave Stockton that 44 point scorching as a message to the dream team selection committee. If you lined all of the players that carried their respective teams on their backs and won titles throughout the entire history of the NBA, there will be only one short guy in that line, and everybody knows who that short guy is.
And Stockton never won a championship and never beat the Jordan Bulls in the play-offs. Thomas did it 3 times!
André Marceau Stockton would be patty mills if he played now.
I wanted to be him as a child.
my favorite player of all time. I agree with the potential of that alternate reality for Isiah. He really was that incredible.
I almost forgot how much damage he did to my Bulls....Respect"
Ornando Tatum YOU ARE THE MAN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT!!
The Pistons kept the bulls in check, but eventually the Bulls became unstoppable.
How the hell you forget about getting ass-whooped three straight years? 😂😂
Everybody forgot.. He destroyed Bird and Magic as wel..
Baaaaaad Booooooys 💀🏀
The way Thomas dribbles the basketball is incredible.
Like a machine of some sort, just amazing
Never got into the NBA until the "Bad Boys" were born. Best Era in basketball imo. Loved watching the Pistons and Isiah.
HE WAS THE TOTAL POINT GUARD
Isiah Thomas. Best 6'1 PG in NBA history....HISTORY.
No doubt
David Anthony Fact. My favorite player of all time.
John stockton has entered the chat 😗
@@immortal2893 he rapped Stockton everytime he played him
6'1?? U sure about that
This guy was phenomanal! He SMASHED JORDAN MULTIPLE TIMES! BIRD AND MAGIC! SMASHED ALL OF THEM
Sucks he wasn’t better than them he at least got to do what Kobe did and walk off an injury
@@joedumars376 he beat Jordan.
@@jumbroni6014 Was Zeke better than Jordan, Magic or Bird?
It would've been weird if Zeke didn't beat the Bulls with the team he had.
@@blo2706 he had rick mahorn bill laimbeer and Rodman ! What a stellar support system compared to others.
@@jumbroni6014 Zeke and the Pistons acquired Dantley in 86-87, one of the greatest SF of all-time & immediately became contenders, the Pistons went from unable to get out of the 2nd round to the ECF in 87 & the Finals in 88. Then by 89 Rodman & Dumars reached their primes & were All-NBA defenders, the Pistons traded Dantley for Aguirre another HOFer/all time great SF. And you have Mahorn a great defender/enforcer, Laimbeer an All-Star, elite defender & one of the best stretch C's of all time, and Vinny the microwave coming of the bench.
So the Pistons during their champions yrs had 4 HOFers in their prime.
This guy and his Bad Boys are the reason the league changed rules about defence. This is what allowed Jordan bulls to finally win a championship.
Sshhh! Most people don't know that
One of the greatest ever and so underrated and underappreciated,props
Agree with you. My favourite player of all time
Looking at these highlights, Isiah Thomas is slicing up TALLER HOF players like a chef preparing a main course meal.
I am still trying to figure out how you can ask his enemies that he defeated by cutting out their heart literally do you want to play with the guy who crucified you? He dethroned Bird, picked Magics ear, kept Jordan at bay, manhandled Barkley, torched Stockton, but now you ask his enemies do you want to play w him? Even Clyde the glide who Isiah beat said that that was bullshit. Isaiah beat everybody s as s on that dream team! Isaiah better than all them bums crying they didn't want to play w him. Cause he kicked your as s and your in your feelings. Period
hmmm, well said
@@docm1246 could you write all the instrumentals in the song. They were fire
Yup you're right on point
Man that's so true
Right on!
I swear, i miss old school basketball, players were like super hero's, and villains who both had different and unique super powers coming together to do battle....watching those games were like a good comic book come to life on the court.
Derwin Mitchell facts! Majestic indeed!
finally someone said what I always been thinking. The players back in the day were superheroes. To this day I don't understand how a guy in Charles barkley who is only a inch taller than Dwayne wade was able to play is whole career at PF and be super efficient and become a hall of famer and one of the greatest rebounders of all time. And ran the floor like a SF. I see why wilt chamberlain liked him so much. As for Isiah he's a top 10 ball handler of all time. You just didn't get to see much of it with how the game was played and the rules. If him and tim hardaway played in todays era. People would be like Kyrie who.
Word
I miss when it was like that
They really where superhero’s
Accurate
Very good analogy
That bounce pass alley 🔥👌
I came here to see that!
Zeke running the floor is as fun to watch as watching Barry Sanders run all over the field.
Sanders was AMAZING to watch in college and the NFL. His retirement totally caught me by surprise because he was in his prime.
Hell yeah!
Facts
Best take I could image on this.
I could not have put it better
Who else is here to show Zeke love after watching the first few episodes of that Bulls documentary?
I am,
AMEN brother! Zeke with forever be my personal GOAT
ua-cam.com/video/pYa7535AsgI/v-deo.html
12 time Nba All-star, 2 x all star MVP, 2 x Nba Champion, NCCA Champion..2 x Olympian..!!! NAME 50 GREATEST PLAYER.#The Original Number #11.. Zeke !! baby!
Don't forget the greatest player to ever wear #11
Don't forget FMVP! 2nd greatest PG of all time and Top 10 player of all time.
He was fun to watch! Had everything: talent, class, personality!
That's why he was hated and they are still spreading lies about him.
One of the best that ever played the game !!!
He had the talent to be an HOF player. But on top of that he had the heart, the desire to win. He was a ferocious competitor.
As a ‘Detroit’ kid in the 80-90’s growing up was all about Barry Sanders, Steve Yzerman, Kirk Gibson(local boy done good!!!) and Zeke! What a time of sports hero’s.... so thankful for all of it! Those guys made my childhood... and obviously Ernie Harwell (the voice of summer) thanks you’re all #1 in my book
Smartest and quickest with that killer focus and instinct the very best ever in the 6ft 1 inch an under period.
His handle, passing, vision, finishing, defense, leadership & heart is top notch. This is why All legends (even his enemies) have to respect his game.
AWESOME VID; easily the best compilation of Zeke's highlights I've ever seen. Thanks!!
Thank you, I was bored that day.
You should do a Kyrie Irving and Isiah one, showing the moves Kyrie took form Isiah... They actually play very similar and i'm sure Kyrie looks at Isiah's tape for ideas.
@@cash2088 Great idea, I might do it, but Kyrie doesnt have enough highlights logged yet.
One of the best... underrated for sure
The late 80s belonged to Isiah. He beat Jordan, Magic and Bird. He was unstoppable during those years. Isiah changed the game.
And Doc M, I am so grateful you said it, been saying it for years!!!
I definitely have him in my top 15 all time very underrated
I respect that you have him that high. I actually have him top 10 as my 2nd greatest PG ever. He's also my favorite player of all time.
He belonged on the Dream Team!
OIP ! , Isiah Thomas should of been on the Dream Team. He was one of the best point guard!
One of the best pg in NBA history .
I wish there was more film evidence of Isiah's passing Genius. At one point Isiah worked his way up to 3rd in All Time Assists, and when he played, Isiah was usually good for at least one spectacular assist a game.
There actually is more footage of those year's, remember George Bloaha, and Harry Hut in the truck pistons basketball network? We watched every single game home and away, it was awesome, he was our GOAT!!!!From 1981 until Zeke retired ,
18:30 = modern day crossover before anyone ever did a modern day crossover
I seen it the they sleep on Zeke
Love Zeke he represented every little guy out on those playgrounds fighting for every bucket
This video should be preserved.
download it yourself. Its easy.
I was never really an Isaiah Thomas fan; thought he was a bit dirty. Looking at these highlights- he schooled Michael Jordan more than a few times. It's right here. A young prime Mike too. Got to give him his props.
This is what a point guard looks like.
Don't ever take this down, this is the best compilation of Isiah i've seen.
Thanks, I wish Isiah would see it and leave a comment, though.
Isiah does not get the credit he deserves. He was a clutch player as good as Larry or Jordan. When there was 10 seconds on the clock, the only way to stop him was to foul him. His small stature didn't give him the highlights of a Michael Jordan or Labron James, but his true basketball skill was unparalleled. Imagine his abilities if he played today where smaller players can enter the paint without being physically assaulted.
Simple reason. Sports are always controlled and the league wanted LA to be the face of the NBA. Pistons torched the Lakers multiple times so the league never promoted the Pistons and disbanded their dynasty.
@@east00 ,id hardly call losing to Magic in the finals & then beating him the following year in the finals torching the lakers multiple times, the following year the pistons didnt play the lakers, they beat Portland, Isaiah gets a bad wrap because he walked off the floor when MJ finally beat him, whats bs about that is first, MJ said in a interview a day before the final game that the pistons were a illegitimate champion & second, when the pistons finally beat Boston Larry Bird & the celtics did the same thing & ran off the court to their lockeroom before the game was over & didnt shake the pistons hands & I dont remember the pistons crying about it.
@@slayerbob213 refs cheated Pistons the 1 loss against Lakers. Bad foul calling. League hated that Pistons were so dominate. They did it scoring a lot then switched to winning with defense later years.
@@east00 Facts looking back they made the Pistons give up Rick Rick Mahorn which weakened them. That was the beginning of the end. Thst was bullshit. The Pistons had a salary cap and all the players fell within it then they made up that expansion bullshit. Could you imagine had Rick remained the Bulls dont win in 91. Jordan nor Pippen not flying in the Paint.
Everyone forgot about the Pistons 3 guard rotation of Vinnie Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, then Rodman and Sally coming off the bench. Rodman hall of Famer was second string? It was like the Pistons had two independent starting 5s that could beat you. Even Edwards could shoot and bigman Bill Laimbeer the only center in the NBA that could shoot threes. (THINK ABOUT THAT).
The Best small man in history
Yes. Never seen anyone quite like him. Extraordinary combination of natural talent, work ethic, intelligence and the heart of a lion.
unquestionably
lurking0death That my west side of Chicago buddy.
@Nicholas Pagano Chris paul?? dude IT is a freaking legend
Nicholas Pagano Your Obviously High😂 🤦🏽♂️
That is one BAAAAAAAAD man!!
It's a real insult to the history of the game to have the dream team without having Isiah Thomas be on it. #realdreamteam
Nah.. I could understand why he wasn't on the roster.. he was one of the best pg.. but with his attitude, it drove so many superstars to somehow hate him.. but that's how he is.. we cannot change history.. we can just think about how good he was and how smart he was.. the leader of the bad boys pistons and one of the smartest players in that era..
Because cupcake Jordan whined about Isiah beating him down in games
@@edjaedavid6362 when play for the USA player suppose put their diffence aside for the greater good of the country peroid.MJ should us all that is feels are more iimportant the unification of the natioin is secound to him yeah a roll model for kids.
edjae david wat were others issue with Isiah? I know jordan and pippen were because of the walkout.
insult goes to chuck....shame
Boy, that really took me back. Thanks for the highlights, well done.
Greatest point guard of all time...no disrespect to Magic!
Greatest little man in NBA history....Period!!
He isnt liked thats why hes not talked about enough but the man was fearless and talented. Ive heard many bad stories about him but this man knew what he had to do and did it. I didnt watch enough of him but this video shows how he was a winner.
There's a reason why Stockton chosen Isaiah to induct him into HOF. Stockton respects zeke even when his peers (magic bird mike) didn't, I salute Stockton. I always hoped Stafford would be the Isaiah for the lions, but at least I have zeke. I often forget how great he was for the pistons and the city of Detroit. He's on my second all time NBA team as the #2 PG. Big thanks for this vid!
Another reason why Stockton choose Zeke in my opinion is because he knew he was given the 2nd point guard spot that should've been given to Zeke. As much as MJ is my favorite player and the GOAT, what he did to Isiah was childish.
The only player who I have personally saw, fall on the court, never losing his dribble, then get off the floor, while still not losing his dribble, and score! He was the Captain, General, and heart of the Pistons! A truly great player!!
THE BABY-FACED ASSASSIN!! ISIAH THOMAS WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE POINT GUARD!!!! HE HAD CRAZY HANDLES, EXCELLENT DEFENSE, GREAT PASSER,GOOD REBOUNDER, TEAM PLAYER,EXCELLENT SCORER(INSIDE OR OUTSIDE) AND A GREAT FLOOR GENERAL.
Isiah is one of my idols.
Greatest Isaiah Thomas highlight I've ever seen.
Thanks
I can tell a couple of these are from Pontiac Silverdome. I saw a few games there back in early 80's. They had to curtain off like a quarter or more of the Dome. Kelly Tripuka days. Then went to many at the Palace. Great memories, OH ISIAH! LOOK UP!
The best ball handler I've ever seen plus he could takeover games. 25 in a quarter against the Lakers and 16 in 94 seconds against the Knicks.
I wasn’t alive for the prime of this guy’s career. But just from watching these highlights, you can tell he would’ve been one of those players you love if he’s on your team and hate if he isn’t. The handles, the grit, the toughness. Backs down from nobody. A lot of people have compared Kyrie Irving to him. Kyrie has the talent no doubt. But he doesn’t have those winners intangibles to be the best player on a championship team like IT was for the Pistons. If Pat Bev had all star abilities, I feel like this is what we’d see.
Now I understand why Isiah Thomas was hated. He was MJ's worst nightmare and many other players feared this "Bad boy". This guy could makes moves that not even MJ made. No wonder they didn't want to see him in the DREAM TEAM because he was going to outshine them. Kudos Isiah! You belong to the Hall of Fame!
EXACTLY 💯
HES SO AHEAD OF HIS TIME OMG
Thanks. Slow motion was a great idea. The quality of the film is unmatched.
I can see why Jordan would have such a hard time with Zeke and also why Jordan would eventually beat him. Despite the height difference, they were actually very similar players. Both floor generals who could win games at will. Insanely, some would say unhealthily, competitive. Incredible levels of raw athletic talent. Superhuman ability to guard and cleanly steal the ball. Basketball fundamentals perfectionists. Masters of footwork. Post-up punishers. Lethal midrange jumpers. And in terms of how they moved and how they scored--very similar. Jordan was basically a taller and larger but slightly slower version of Zeke, which made Zeke a nightmare opponent for him--but one he would eventually be able to beat---because he was, well, taller, larger, and just as insanely competitive.
you know your stuff. Zeke and Jordan are the two most competitive and have the two strongest killer mindsets in the history of the NBA. Honorable mentions to players like Iverson, Bird, Westbrook, etc.
@The Liquidator you must be crazy in his prime Jordan was his son
@The Liquidator zeke use to kill him just like that guy from overseas for the nets use to kill Mike as well
@The Liquidator you must be crazy
@The Liquidator Jordan ball ride much
I'm from Detroit. I was 10-years old when I watched Isiah cut down the net in the NCAA championships in Indiana... It's one of my greatest life experiences to have been able to be along for the ride with the Pistons when they drafted him and watch Isiah grow as player, year after year, watch him and trader Jack slowly build the Pistons into the bad boys... it was a slow journey but worth riding along... Isiah, joe D and Vinnie were the greatest backcourt in history IMO....thank you Isiah for staying with Detroit your entire career...
Isiah Thomas, Gordie Howe, Joe Loius, Al Kaline, Barry Sanders
Detroit should have a sports icon Mt. Rushmore.... with zeke in the center spot...
he would fight anybody
Greatest Point guard of all time! And I'm from Michigan and grew up a magic Johnson fan, until Zeke showup in 1982.. He's owned Magic. Magic could never handle Zeke. Zeke destroy our home town hero all the time.
@OIP ! You're young. Better check the tape on their twice per year matchups. Zeke, always bested magic. Magic could not keep up with Zeke. Zeke was to fast and smaller for my man Magic ( 6'9) to contain. So, Zeke would torch his boy everytime.
@OIP ! There you go ..showing your age and knowledge of the facts. 🤦♂️👎
Magic couldnt guard him...to low to the floor too fast and could change directions...cross over on a dime. Nah...
Inspirational to see such a competitor both in offense and defense.
favorite basketball video on UA-cam!!!
Great compilation! The best of the best!
I have immense respect for zeke. One of my all time fav. players!
I loved this era of the NBA
Best pg ever in offense and defense he is best ever tuff player and great leader explosive have good techniques IQ and mentally tuff too
As a pure point guard at 6 foot 1 he had to be aggressive and a fighter. These highlights show he was an incredible talent
He was cold 🥶 soo ahead of his time!
Simply superb on another level of the meaning of the word. Mostly he and Jordan did not guard each other. But when they did, Isiah Thomas ate Michael's lunch.
Ball don't lie.
Too quick and that dribble was too low for MJ to defend
@@mariopantoja8259 Yeah.
Zeke was so fast, you had to watch the rerun just to see how the hell he scored so fast, he's only 6 f 1 inches, he was our magic, bird, doc, and Jordan, he was everything to Detroit, and will never be forgotten here in Detroit
Finally, a video that shows Isiah's true value, heart and skill. I have him as the 2nd greatest PG ever and the greatest little man of all time as well. Isiah was one of the greatest leaders and team players of all time. I used to mimic his dribbling style growing up; probably the smoothest dribbler in the open court and in traffic.
well said.
My second greatest point guard ever. He could play in any era and be the man. That's what makes him great. Put him in this era of hands off he'd average 40 EZ
easy
@Big L FACTS!!!
Magic used to give these summer games in the 80s that I would attend when they were in LA, and they were spectacular. Because they were more of a free style game. And it would be D Wilkins, M Aguirre, S
Perkins, G Gervin, just to name a few. But, Isaiah Thomas to me would always turn it out with his passing, dribbling, as well as his wit (IQ) on the court, he is a very special player, as well as a person, who I once met and was able to shake hands and say well done!! Thanks for this video!! Mic'2023
One my favorite looking jump shots of all time. He was a badass.
I have to congratulate the video creator for the choice of music here. That combined with the highlights almost makes this video emotional. And this is coming from a Michael Jordan guy who 'hated' the Bad Boys. No one can deny Zeke's talent and skills though. Too bad his personal behaviour was what it was. Despite that he still is a top 20 player of all time for me.
Watching this video has become an annual thing for me lately. I got Zeke's dark matter card in 2K yesterday so here I am. He currently leads my starting 5 as the point guard and plays with The Glide, The Doctor, The Worm and Dirk.
Here is one guy who, at 6'1", gave ANYBODY else on the court fits...including Jordan, Ewing, Bird, Magic, Wilkins, Stockton, Drexler, Ainge....
way way way underrated...kinda weird...this guy was scary good...he would still kill it in the NBA his game is timeless
He was the Michael Jordan of all point guards.
3:23 to funny, Isaiah was like "thank you"
Lol
Isaiah Thomas greatest pure point guard in the NBA history too bad envy and jealousy stopped others from really understanding how great this man was especially Michael Jordan
It's too bad when you don't take crap off others how quickly you get label an enemy and bad for the game BS
Incredible video and your soliloquy in the description was on point!
Thanks
You can tell the age of comments section when nobody mentions zeke in the best handles list...besides all the rest you can tell he slept with the ball...creativity off the charts...didn't break stride like all gifted dribble artists....miss watching that era...
The best Piston player ever. He could do whatever he needed to do to win, and he did it.
I was living in the Metropolitan Detroit area when the Pistons went back to back OMG! Some of my best sports memories of my life. The "BAD BOYS". Laimbeer, Mahorn, Rodman, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson & all the rest of the champions. Never forget
Zeke is so underrated. A consummate leader, clutch performer, defensive anchor, Captain, and the only player to defeat prime Magic, Bird, Jordan, and Drexler.
Untouchable. There was no matchup too great for this player. I'm a Celtics fan and I know first hand what a killer he was. Better than Jordan in my opinion. Just had a major injury that stopped him. He was everything for the pistons. No player was ever more important for his team. I was both in awe and in fear of this guy every time he had the ball. Best ball handler in the history of the game. And a true champion.
Yea, but how did you feel about that bird steal?
1 word perfectly describes Isaiah Thomas... FEARLESS!
People forget he averaged almost 14 assists in one season, when players cared more about winning than stats
21pts to go with it
22 pts
I like magic Johnson he was one of my favorite players of all time as a kid. His height and passing made him special but the best guard overall for any era any style offense and defense is zeek.
Isiah Thomas is the best pound for pound player in NBA history.... PERIOD