Isiah Thomas is known as one of the besit guards to ever play in the NBA.
The 12-time All-Star averaged 19.2 points and 9.3 assists during his 13 years in the league, leading to two championships and a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, he played alongside – and against – some of the biggest names in NBA history.
On Twitter, Thomas listed his top-three defensive players of all time, in no particular order.
Thomas selected Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Hakeem Olajuwon as the best defenders.
“Let it be known!” Thomas proclaimed.
My top 3 @NBATV defensive players of all time in no order. Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Hakeem Olajuwon. Let it be known!
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) August 23, 2023
Those are all great choices from the Detroit Pistons icon.
Of the three, Thomas knew Rodman the best because he played alongside him for years before Rodman left the Pistons.
But Thomas went toe-to-toe with each of these men many times.
Olajuwon was a true force of nature.
The seven-foot center scored more than 20 points a night and averaged 11.1 rebounds during his career.
Thomas is just 6-foot-1 so there is no doubt that he was regularly challenged by Olajuwon.
As for Rodman, he averaged 13.1 rebounds during his 14 years and was known as a competitive, in-your-face forward who didn’t back down from anyone.
He was the epitome of the “Bad Boy Pistons.”
As for Pippen, he was perhaps Thomas’ biggest challenge because he played for Detroit’s rivals, the Chicago Bulls.
The Pistons and Bulls met in the playoffs multiple times and it was no secret that the teams disliked each other.
Even with the defensive skills these men had, Thomas was still able to remain one of the best shooters in the league during his NBA tenure.
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