Isaiah Thomas Picks His Ultimate Starting 5 From His Former Teammates

Isaiah Thomas recently appeared on the 'Knuckleheads' podcast, where he was asked to name his ultimate starting five composed of former teammates. The 5'9" guard, known for his scoring prowess and heart, didn't hesitate to name some of the biggest names in basketball.

"Me at the one, KD at the two, LeBron at the three, Anthony Davis at the four, Joker at the five."

This lineup speaks volumes about the caliber of players Isaiah has shared the court with throughout his career. As the point guard, Thomas places himself in the starting role, showcasing his confidence and belief in his ability to lead a team filled with future Hall of Famers.

At the shooting guard position, Thomas chose Kevin Durant , one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. Durant, known for his silky smooth jump shot and versatility, has played alongside Thomas during his brief stints with the Phoenix Suns. The pairing of Thomas and Durant in the backcourt would undoubtedly be a nightmare for any defense.

LeBron James takes the small forward spot. Thomas had the opportunity to play with LeBron during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the experience clearly left an impression. LeBron's ability to facilitate, defend, and score from anywhere on the court makes him an obvious choice for any ultimate lineup.

Anthony Davis , who Thomas also teamed up with in Los Angeles, occupies the power forward position. Davis is known for his defensive prowess and versatility on offense, capable of scoring inside and out. His presence would complement the high-powered offense that Thomas's lineup promises.

Rounding out the starting five is Nikola Jokic , the reigning three-time NBA MVP. Thomas played briefly with Jokic during his time with the Denver Nuggets. Jokic’s court vision, playmaking, and scoring ability make him the perfect center to anchor this dream team.

Isaiah Thomas’s ultimate starting five is a testament to the incredible talent he’s played alongside in his career. With a mix of scoring, defense, and basketball IQ, this lineup would be a formidable force in any era of the NBA.

Isaiah Thomas Was A Victim Of The NBA Business

Isaiah Thomas was on top of the basketball world at the end of the 2016-17 NBA season. He had just completed a career-defining year with the Boston Celtics , averaging 28.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

His performance earned him an All-Star selection, an All-NBA nod, and a fifth-place finish in MVP voting. Thomas was the heart and soul of the Celtics, leading them deep into the playoffs while playing through significant personal and physical pain, including a recurring hip injury.

With such an outstanding season under his belt, Thomas expected to be rewarded with a lucrative contract—potentially a five-year, $200 million deal. However, the business side of the NBA showed its harsh reality.

Instead of offering Thomas the supermax contract he believed he had earned, the Celtics shocked the basketball world by trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving . This move came despite Thomas’s dedication to the franchise and his willingness to play through injury in the playoffs, further aggravating his hip condition.

The trade to Cleveland marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Thomas’s career. The hip injury he sustained in Boston lingered, and he was never able to return to his All-Star form. His tenure with the Cavaliers was short-lived, and he soon found himself bouncing from team to team, never settling into a long-term role.

In just a few years, Thomas went from being on the brink of a supermax contract to earning less than $12 million in total. The NBA’s business side had shown no mercy, and Thomas became a prime example of how quickly a player’s fortunes can change. Despite his undeniable talent and heart, Thomas was a victim of the harsh realities of professional sports, where loyalty and past achievements can be quickly overshadowed by business decisions.

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