In 1994, Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons became the fourth guard in NBA history to collect 9,000 career assists. Thomas reached the mark after dishing off six dimes during the Pistons’ 111-107 home win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Thomas finished his career with 9,061 assists and is currently ranked ninth on the NBA all-time assists list. The second pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, Thomas was a gritty player who utilized his athleticism and playmaking abilities on the court. Thomas spent his entire 13 season career with the Pistons and guided the team to two NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. During the 1990 NBA Finals, Thomas averaged 27.6 points, 7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. The Pistons defeated the Trail Blazers 4-1, and Thomas was named Finals MVP. At the time of his retirement, Thomas led the Pistons as the franchise leader in points, assists, steals, and games played. Thomas’ other accolades include 5x All-NBA Team selections, NBA assists leader (1985), and 12x NBA All-Star. Thomas was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and his no.11 was retired by the Detroit Pistons.
Today in Sports History: March 23
AUBURN HILLS, MI - 1990: Isiah Thomas #11 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during an NBA Eastern Conference Finals at The Palace circa 1990 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 19890 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)