When it comes to Team USA and the selection process, drama is never far away. From players taking to social media to ask why their number wasn't called to fans and TV shows debating about the alleged snubs, the final names to appear on the roster are always sure to cause a stir. While we witness this phenomenon every four years when the Olympics roll around, there was no greater snub than the 1992 Dream Team when Isiah Thomas was not selected.
The moment was so shocking, and the drama was so public that fellow point guard John Stockton, who ultimately took his place, was roped into the chaos. Amidst all the headlines, Stockton was grateful and will never forget Thomas calling his dad to apologize for the entire situation.
The Utah Jazz icon sat down with Jason Whitlock and revealed that Isiah went out of his way to reach out to his family after a negative spotlight was brought on John's selection.
"The special thing he did amidst all the noise on it was he found a way to call my dad. I don't even know how he would do that, but he called my dad personally and explained that he felt he belonged as well. My dad so much appreciated that and put him at such ease, and I am so grateful for that. I don't know if I would be big enough to do that. That put everything at ease in my camp for sure," Stock said .
"That happened pre-Olympics in 1992. That whole year was apparently the year of tension. My parents and my family always felt the tension more, and they watched the news they read the newspapers. Being a family member of an athlete is probably more difficult than the athlete; you just go out there to do your job. They have to hear all the bad things about you," he added.
Isiah's Dream Team snub
Simply put, there's no denying that Thomas deserved to be on the original Dream Team. He revolutionized the game at the point guard position, led the Detroit Pistons to championship glory, and was a perennial All-Star in the Association.
Of course, as the years went on, we learned about the internal politics that impacted the decision, most notably former players reportedly opposing Thomas' inclusion on the roster and his long-standing hatred of the best player on the Olympic roster—Michael Jordan.
For these reasons, Isiah was snubbed, and to this day, it remains one of the truly great travesties in basketball history.
Related: “He has 47 kids in the Philippines, and I’m the oldest one” - When Dennis Rodman broke down during his Hall of Fame speech
Stockton's chance
While the decision has left a stain on the iconic suad, it did open up an opportunity for Stockton , who was equally dominant at his position albeit with a less impressive overall resume. John got the call and ultimately took Thomas' position as a leading ball handler among the high-powered superstars.
It proved to be a good selection in the end, as the legendary U.S. squad dominated its opponents en route to the gold medal in Barcelona. Still, his inclusion wasn't necessarily an upgrade over Thomas, as Team USA was clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the world at that time.
Nevertheless, Isiah being gracious during this process and thinking about how the negative media could have affected the Jazz guard and his family is admirable.
Zeke didn't have to pick up the phone and call John's dad, and he didn't have to give Stockton's family comfort. The Pistons legend was well within his rights to continue to voice his displeasure with the situation. But to his credit, and as a testament to his decency, Thomas made it a mission of his to call and say sorry for the drama.
Related: "Isiah wasn't even going to be the first substitute" - The Dream Team almost replaced Stockton but not with Thomas
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