Isiah Thomas

Isiah Lord Thomas III (born April 30, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American former professional basketball player and coach, and is currently the president of basketball operations for the NBA's New York Knicks. His name is spelled "Isiah" but pronounced the same as the more common "Isaiah." He also goes by the nickname "Zeke."

Post NBA Career

After retirement Thomas was part owner and Executive Vice President for the expansion Toronto Raptors from 1994 to 1998, but left the organization after a dispute with new management. After leaving the Raptors, Thomas became a television commentator (first as the lead game analyst with play-by-play man Bob Costas and then as part of the studio team) for NBC. Thomas became the owner of the Continental Basketball Association from 1998 to 2000. From 2000 to 2003 he coached the Indiana Pacers. In 2001, Thomas was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. On December 22, 2003, he was given the job of president of basketball operations by the New York Knicks, immediately changing the face of the franchise by trading for star point guard Stephon Marbury, the promising small forward Tim Thomas and emerging shooting guard Jamal Crawford. However, the plan misfired with disastrous results, resulting in an highly overpaid team without chemistry which missed the playoffs by finishing last in the Atlantic Division.

Related Topics:
Toronto Raptors - 1998 - Bob Costas - NBC - Continental Basketball Association - 2000 - 2003 - Coached - Indiana Pacers - 2001 - Basketball Hall of Fame - December 22 - Stephon Marbury - Small forward - Tim Thomas - Shooting guard - Jamal Crawford

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Thomas, a self-proclaimed fan of popcorn who has served as the official spokesperson for National Popcorn Poppin' Month, is a partner in the New York-based gourmet-popcorn chain Dale & Thomas Popcorn. It was known as Popcorn, Indiana prior to his investment. The company currently has three stores, two in Manhattan and one in New Jersey, plus online and mail-order operations.

Related Topics:
Popcorn - Dale & Thomas Popcorn - Manhattan - New Jersey

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