Jack McCloskey is one of the few people who will always have a soft spot for Isiah Thomas .
Upon taking over as the Detroit Pistons general manager in 1979, McCloskey gradually saw his dreams materialize with the help of Thomas. He landed Zeke as the second overall pick of the 1981 Draft, and Jack didn't make a mistake out of his choice as the skinny, small 20-year-old from Indiana became the cornerstone of the franchise and one of the game's greatest.
Well-known as the ‘Trader Jack,’ he was the one responsible for constructing the notorious ‘Bad Boys,’ and he couldn't be more gratified in allowing Zeke to be the frontman of the group, leading them to the league's mountaintop in the late ‘80s.
For years of their successful partnership in Motown, McCloskey forged a strong bond with Thomas. And he'll always be willing to run through the wall for the Pistons star, even if it means that the entire world was against them, especially during the ‘Dream Team’ formation.
A stern protest
Already handling the Pistons ' front office helm, McCloskey obtained another huge responsibility of serving for the United States. Alongside fellow executives from various levels in basketball, he was appointed as one of the 13-member selection committee that will handle the crucial job of constructing the Americans' star-studded squad to reclaim the nation's lost glory in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
For this, Jack gladly lent his decision-making towards the pooling process out of the patriotic call. But to his shock, the man he particularly knew as an all-time great who was behind Detroit's success of winning back-to-back NBA titles was controversially excluded from the list.
McCloskey was beyond perplexed about how Thomas didn't make it to the cut in the preliminary 10-player lineup. Thomas had it all from the resumé, stardom, talent, and fame, but he couldn't get a spot for himself. Out of desperation, Jack fought for Isiah's right to be considered, but as his pleas were never granted, he instantly stepped down from his position. He vehemently rejected how Zeke never gained the honor to be a part of the Dream Team, and his resignation served as his protest from the unprecedented snubbing.
"Because of my inability to convince a majority of the committee on the subject, I feel I can no longer contribute," McCloskey confessed .
"The committee has said to me that Isiah must prove himself again next year, while others can have a horrible year but they are still members of our Olympic team. This is ridiculous, because we are penalizing perhaps the greatest small man ever to play the game.”
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Loyalty over everything
McCloskey's bitter exit drew an added intrigue amid the nonstop chatter about Thomas’ omission. But despite this bold move and even head coach Chuck Daly’s disapproval , they couldn't convince USAB to reconsider the case of Zeke in entering the historic squad for the Summer Games.
Their efforts went useless as behind the scenes; it was Michael Jordan who already ended any possibility for Zeke to join the Dream Team in Barcelona. It’s been well-known that MJ strongly opposed Isiah’s landing in Barcelona. Jordan threatened to pull his service out in 1992 should Thomas make it, and the Team USA leadership had no choice but to follow his demands.
McCloskey's unwavering stance for Thomas at that unfortunate time is priceless support that underscores the Pistons legend's rightful nod to being on the Dream Team. In his viewpoint, Isiah is worthy enough like any other member of the group and should have gained the respect he deserves.
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