When we talk about underrated players, we talk about Isiah Thomas. When we talk about comparatively short heightened players who survived in the NBA, we talk about Isiah Thomas. But “survive” is the wrong word. Isiah Thomas did not just survive the league, he bossed it in his own way. Isiah still remains one of the greatest point guards to ever play the sport. His movement, speed, and his unselfishness made him one of the most complete players at the time. 

He played in the 80s and played through the time when Magic Johnson, probably the greatest point guard, had a stronghold on the league. Even though Magic used to do his magic, it did not affect the performances and level of Isiah Thomas.

Jersey number 11, spent his whole career with the Detroit Pistons. Isiah Thomas, along with Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn, John Salley, and Joe Dumars, were termed as the “Bad Boys”. They were known for their physically strong gameplay and believed in literally bullying the opposition on the court. The Piston’s “too physical” in nature playing style won them back-to-back NBA championships (1989,1990). They are often under-celebrated and one can say they were the “disrespected champions”.

Isiah Thomas laurels Dwyane Wade

Isiah Thomas was probably the most underrated player of his time. Because of the presence of Magic Johnson and later Michael Jordan, Isiah was never in the debate of the best player in the league. In 13 years at the Pistons, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and games played. The underrated legend thinks that Dwyane Wade should get much more respect for his career. Game recognizes game!

WATCH THIS STORY: MJ’s duels with Isiah, Magic, Bird and others.

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The retired NBA legend Thomas guested this week on the “Point Forward” podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner. He talked about how Dwyane has “made his mark”.

“D Wade, go to Marquette and get off, right? And then when you talk about in Chicago, he is the most accomplished, you know, athlete in terms of basketball that’s come out of Chicago from the winning standpoint, nobody’s got more gold medals, nobody’s won more championships than D Wade like he’s you know he’s definitely made his mark.” Isiah said in high praise of Dwyane Wade.

Dwyane Wade has won 3 championships in his time and was one of the key players in the Miami Heat’s success. He is often not credited as much as he deserves. But Miami is blessed to have seen a player like him play for them and win the championships.

Isiah and MJ

The time of the late 80s and 90s is often considered as the time of Michael Jordan. There was no better player than him at the time and arguably still is not. Let alone in his position, guard or forward, but in any position, it was tough to prove that someone else was better than the Chicago beloved.

But one guy from Chicago never liked the praise MJ got there, while he was loyal to Detroit. Isiah and Michael never saw eye to eye on the court. Isiah still takes his chance to say something about their rivalry, hinting towards some emotions fueled by memories.

Their rivalry was a fierce one. Michael Jordan won his first NBA championship to begin his reign, which would last for a decade, against “The Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons. Isiah and the Pistons had often clashed with MJ’s Chicago Bulls to present us with a fiery encounter.

WATCH: Michael Jordan Visibly Still Sour About His 30 Year Rivalry With Isiah Thomas; Duo Seen Purposely Avoiding Each Other at NBA All-Star Game

Having won consecutive championships, Isiah feels he should have gotten more appreciation, although now everyone would agree he is one of the greatest point guards ever. He also obviously sees something similar in D Wade as he also won two consecutive championships (2012, 2013) even though he had won one title six years prior to that (2006).

Wade is one of the best shooting guards in the history of the NBA. Isiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade are possibly two of the greatest players who could never win an MVP award.