Hoops Habit
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Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each NBA franchise

By Daniel Lubofsky

INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best Detroit Pistons Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Isiah Thomas

When Isiah Thomas was drafted second overall by the Detroit Pistons in 1981, he was headed to a franchise in shambles. The Pistons hadn’t been to the playoffs in four years coming off consecutive sub-25 win seasons. Needless to say, they were hoping their latest draft pick would pan out in a big way.

Thomas was a ruthless competitor at both ends of the floor, unafraid of confrontation from even the most physically imposing opponent. Offensively, he was lightning quick with an array of dizzying dribble moves while he fought tooth and nail for every possession at the defensive end, stifling each matchup on a nightly basis using that same foot and hand speed.

After slowly bringing the Pistons back into the playoff picture, Thomas would have them firmly in the championships discussion. Detroit would go on to make three consecutive Finals from 1988-89, claiming back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990, but merely stating the accomplishment doesn’t provide the context to do it justice.

Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan are three of the most iconic players in NBA history. During those three years, the Pistons took down all three and their respective teams, led by the feisty miniature floor general just trying to earn his spot at the table.

He was a 12-time All-Star who won Finals MVP in 1990 along with career averages of 19.2 points, 9.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Having arrived during a low point in the franchise’s history, it was Thomas who led Detroit to its first two championships along with earning a spot in history as one of the game’s best point guards.