Isiah Thomas' longstanding feud with Michael Jordan has been front page news for decades, but little information has come out about Thomas' relationship with one of his lesser known rivals, a fellow point guard who was enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts with Thomas there to support.
Recently, Charles Barkley shared a hot take on the Isiah Thomas vs. Stephen Curry debate. Thomas has stayed active as an analyst in his second career, most recently hitting Draymond Green with a truth bomb he was not ready to hear.
Thomas shared a message of support for his ‘friend' recently in a post on Twitter that has fans talking.
Thomas gives shout-out to John Stockton
Stockton and Thomas had many battles on the court during the days as NBA rivals, including a game in which Thomas drove the lane only to be clocked in the face with an elbow by Karl Malone.
Stockton was given a shout-out by Thomas on Saturday with a distinct message for the fellow all-time great at the point guard spot.
Thomas finished with two NBA titles to Stockton's zero. Isiah Thomas was controversially left off of the USA Basketball ‘Dream Team' in favor of Stockton, a surprising choice that has fanned the flames of division between Jordan and Thomas for over two decades.
“Two of the best point guards of all-time,” one fan said.
“Love you Isiah,” another fan said. “Proud you were a Piston for life.”
“Two things can be true,” another fan said. “He's your good friend and you deserve to be on the Dream Team.”
Thomas vs. Stockton stats comparison
Thomas and Stockton both completed ten-plus years in the NBA with Stockton lasting 19 seasons and Thomas 13.
Stockton retired as the NBA's all-time leader in both assists and steals while Thomas often split assists with his backcourt mate and fellow Hall-of-Famer Joe Dumars. Stockton made 11 All-NBA Teams compared to five for Thomas while Thomas averaged 19.2 points per game compared to 13.1 for Stockton.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs alumnus Stockton also shot a higher percentage from both the field and the free throw line in comparison to Thomas, adding to the debate of which player had a better career in the Association.