Isiah Thomas credits NBA legends for changing the landscape of league: “What Michael Jordan has done and now what LeBron James has done”
Isiah Thomas is known as one of the top point guards in NBA history. But even Thomas will admit that some of the other legends have left a greater impact on the league.
Thomas, a gifted floor general, was a 12-time NBA All-Star and the engine behind the Detroit Pistons' dynasty, winning two championships and being named the 1989-90 NBA Finals MVP.
The Hall of Fame guard was one of the most competitive players during his tenure in the NBA. But Thomas also understands some of the legends who have left an everlasting impact on the league.
Two of those players include Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Both Jordan and James have been considered two of the greatest players in the sport's history. Jordan took basketball to new heights during his illustrious career. James continues to cement his legacy as one of the top players in league history.
On "The Pivot Podcast," Thomas praised the impact that Jordan and James have had:
"Michael Jordan made a lot of money for this league. Now, here's the next facts. Only two players have ever done this.
"What Michael Jordan has done and now what LeBron James has done, the monies that these two guys have made for the NBA and what LeBron James has done and the money he's made for the NBA, I don't know if that'd ever be done again. Guys making 40 million a year.
"This group, when it's all said and done, they don't want to give them the credit now. But when LeBron James and Kevin Durant and all them walk out the door and you look back at what they just did compared to what my generation did, man, these guys have taken it to a place that none of us could ever imagine."
Isiah Thomas praises Michael Jordan and LeBron James
The point made by Isiah Thomas is one that cannot be overlooked. Both LeBron James and Michael Jordan will be remembered for what they've done on the NBA court.
What the two NBA legends have done for the game is just as important. After the NBA struggled with popularity, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson generated excitement with their rivalry in the 1980s. While many will point out that Bird and Johnson "saved" the NBA, the league needed someone to take over.
Most times leading the All-Star vote overall:
9 — Michael Jordan
9 — LeBron James https://t.co/gVpc6lJue5
That's just what Michael Jordan did. As a rising superstar with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan took the NBA to a new platform of popularity. Jordan went on to become one of the most popular professional athletes in history. Although Isiah Thomas had his fair share of rivalries with Jordan, he's the first to admit the impact the Chicago Bulls legend had on the game.
Eventually, Jordan retired and the NBA blossomed into an entertainment tycoon. Then a young teenager by the name of LeBron James found his way onto an NBA court. In a new era of basketball, LeBron has taken the league to new heights. It's something that not many thought was possible, including Thomas.