During the 1980s, the NBA witnessed the sheer dominance of the Showtime Lakers and Larry Bird’s Celtics. However, the ball would later come to the Detroit Pistons‘ court. Throughout the late ’80s, the Pistons made headlines for reasons, both great and controversial. Though they had won two consecutive titles back then, they garnered infamy for their extensive physical gameplay. Besides, quite surprisingly, the Bad Boy Pistons had then garnered controversy for being the voice of the voiceless.

Recently, Pistons legend Isiah Thomas recalled how vocal his side and he were when it came to speaking up for social justice. Furthermore, Thomas happily observed how a similar culture is being upheld by present-day stars such as LeBron James.

Isiah Thomas recalls an iconic memory from his days in Detroit

In a recent interview with SWAY’S UNIVERSE, Isiah Thomas spoke at length about different hot topics that pertain to the NBA and the world around it. The conversation focused on NBA stars’ involvement in social justice movements like ‘Black Lives Matter’. The two-time champion revealed he appreciates stars such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul for speaking up.

Soon he recalls how the Pistons had then stood for the cause of the community. Besides, Thomas also told shared a memory the Bad Boy Pistons had with the great Nelson Mandela.

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“Whenever you became a champion, it was imperative that when you got the mic, your responsibility, and your job, was to speak for the voiceless in the community,” said Thomas.

He further adds, “Back in Detroit, this is a reunion where Nelson Mandela, when he was released from prison, first city and state that he came to was Detroit, Michigan. Because what we were standing for in Detroit. The Bad Boys speaking out on race, class, and gender.”

He also adds, “So Nelson Mandela, he gets released from prison. He comes to Detroit and puts on a Bad Boy Pistons hat and a Pistons jacket. When you talk about the Pistons, that is what made us so controversial. Again, we were speaking on race, class, and gender back then”.

Soon the 12-time All-Star adulated LeBron James for his relentless contributions towards similar causes.

Thomas talks about LeBron James

Isiah Thomas pointed out during the interview that not many athletes spoke up for the community ever since the Bad Boy Pistons era came to an end. However, the void was soon filled.

“Then LeBron James came in and what makes LeBron James so controversial? Because when LeBron James got the mic and Carmelo Anthony and them got the mic, this generation came back in. They said, ‘Hey, I’m not just about getting the endorsements. I gotta tell you what’s going on in Baltimore. I got to tell you what’s going on in Akron,'” said Thomas.

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Isiah Thomas spoke this with a sense of pride and enthusiasm. After all, how can the Pistons legend not be proud as the Bad Boys Pistons’ legacy is still alive and running, courtesy of LeBron James and others.

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What do you think of Isiah Thomas’ point of view? Let us know in the comments below.