Alyssa Thomas has become one of the biggest stories in basketball this year, and it’s no surprise her name is popping up everywhere, even alongside NBA guard Isaiah Thomas in “are they related?” searches. After a blockbuster sign-and-trade from the Connecticut Sun for $249,244 in February, she has been on fire in her first season with the Phoenix Mercury. She’s putting up monster all-around numbers: about 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Night after night, she’s the heartbeat of Phoenix’s playoff push and a serious MVP contender.

But Thomas’s impact goes far beyond this season. A six-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, her rise may seem sudden to new fans, but those who followed her from Maryland to the Connecticut Sun know it’s been years in the making. When her name appears alongside Isaiah Thomas online, it’s just a coincidence — her achievements stand entirely on their own.

Are Alyssa Thomas and Isaiah Thomas related?

No, they are not related. Despite sharing the same last name and being in the same sport, they do not have any common familial ties. As it turns out, it is a mere coincidence that their last names match. Alyssa Thomas is from Pennsylvania, and Isaiah belongs to Chicago; they are bookends on the map of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. About halfway between the two, you’ll hit Ohio, and that’s a whole other conversation.

Why do people think Alyssa and Isaiah Thomas could be related?

It’s a classic case of “same name, same sport, must be family,” and fans can’t help but ask. Both Thomas stars have left huge marks on the hardwood. Alyssa Thomas has been a WNBA force since 2014, racking up six All-Star selections, leading the league in assists in 2025 with 9.2 per game, and averaging 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds that season. She has her versatility, often known for playing multiple positions and contributing across the board.

Isaiah Thomas, on the other hand, lit up the NBA starting in 2011 with the Kings but hit his stride with Boston from 2015–2017. The 5’9” guard was a two-time All-Star, a league scoring leader, and a heart-and-soul player who carried the Celtics deep into the playoffs. Quick, crafty, and fearless, he made fans notice his name everywhere. So, it is fair from a fan’s standpoint.

Fans on social media first began connecting Alyssa and Isaiah Thomas around 2024-2025, largely because of Alyssa’s rise to MVP conversations in Phoenix and the coincidence of sharing the last name “Thomas.” Casual observers who didn’t follow the WNBA closely started Googling the connection, sparking widespread speculation, even though there has never been any familial tie.

Alyssa Thomas’ family background

A little research about her family background and parents would reveal how different life has been for them both. Alyssa Thomas was born to Tina Klotzbeecher-Thomas and Bobby Thomas in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1992. Alyssa has two siblings: a younger brother, Devin, who played basketball at Wake Forest, and a younger sister, Alexia, who graduated from college in 2013.

Her mother, Tina, is undoubtedly the driving force behind her. Tina herself played Division II basketball at Millersville University and went on to be Alyssa’s high school coach at Milton Hershey School. Tina also spends her days teaching gifted students in the Harrisburg City School District. She was the one to coach Alyssa in high school, playing a central role in her development as a player, guiding her from the moment she reluctantly picked up the sport at age five.

Alyssa Thomas was first drafted by the Connecticut Sun as the 4th overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, as a versatile forward. Over her 11 seasons with the Sun, she established herself as a cornerstone of the franchise, appearing in 201 regular-season games and starting 194 of them. By the end of her tenure, she had racked up 2,352 points and 608 assists, ranking fifth in franchise history for both career points and assists.

After previously facing Phoenix as a Connecticut Sun player in 2018, she spent several seasons building her reputation internationally, competing in South Korea, Turkey, the Czech League, and EuroLeague Women. When asked about her time overseas, she reflected, “Coach [Cheryl] Reeve called me a few years ago, when I was overseas, and asked me why I was away from USA Basketball. I explained that I rather just have my breaks during those down times.”

Her individual accolades reflect her all-around excellence. Thomas earned five WNBA All-Star selections (2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) and was named to the All-WNBA First Team in 2023 and 2024, with a Second Team nod in 2022. On the defensive end, she was equally dominant, making the All-Defensive First Team twice (2020, 2023) and the Second Team four times (2017, 2019, 2022, 2024).

Thomas also made history with her versatility and court vision. She holds the WNBA record for the most triple-doubles in both the regular season and playoffs, and in 2023 she led the league in rebounds per game, earning the prestigious WNBA Peak Performer award.

Isaiah Thomas’ family background

Looking at Alyssa’s life story, Isiah Thomas’ has a stark contradiction. Isaiah, famously known as “Zeke,” was born on April 30, 1961, the youngest of nine children, to Isiah Lord Thomas II, a plant supervisor, and Mary Thomas, who worked in a school kitchen. Early life in Chicago’s West Side was far from easy. After Thomas’ father lost his supervisory job and had to take work as a janitor, eventually, Mary became the sole caretaker for the large family, managing on a tight budget while ensuring all nine children could attend school.

Basketball became Thomas’s escape and passion. Playing in local parks with his older brothers, he honed his skills amid a neighborhood plagued by violence and gangs. His mother famously defended her children from gang recruitment, declaring her boys were only part of the “Thomas Gang.” Thomas eventually caught the attention of Gene Pingatore, the coach at St. Joseph High School, earning a scholarship to an all-white suburban school.

Thomas then committed to Indiana University under the tough tutelage of coach Bobby Knight, where he flourished in two seasons. At Indiana, he led the team to a Big Ten Championship and a national title, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA tournament. Then came the big break.

He then made his mark in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, becoming a central figure of the “Bad Boys” era. Drafted second overall in 1981, he shone from the start, averaging 17 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a rookie, earning All-Rookie honors and an All-Star starting spot. Over the years, he helped turn the Pistons into serious title contenders, leading them to their first NBA Finals in 1988 and 1989.

Thomas won two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, claiming Finals MVP in 1990 after putting up 27.6 points, 7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Over his career, he was selected 12 times to the All-Star Game, earned two All-NBA First Team selections, and left an indelible mark as a floor general, competitor, and leader whose influence extended well beyond the Pistons’ championship years.

What’s the relationship between Alyssa and Isaiah Thomas?

Just looking at the illustrious careers of both Thomas, one can say that they both carved out their places in the NBA, based on individual grit, consistency, and hard work. Let that be the common connection between the two.