Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons used to rule the NBA in the late 80s. At a time when other teams wanted to push through and dominate the league completely, Thomas and the Bad Boy Pistons were a thorn in every team?s path. Be it the Los Angeles Lakers or the Chicago Bulls, the Pistons were a force to deal with. But all of that came from a sacrifice that the Pistons legend had to make, which wasn?t a decision of his own.

In a recent interview, Isiah Thomas revealed how he left his childhood place, the West side of Chicago, to move 180 miles away to Indiana. All because his mother wanted that for him. Indiana University Bloomington?s basketball team under Bob Knight developed discipline in him, exactly what his mother wanted.

Isiah Thomas on leaving his hometown for the Indiana Hoosiers

Isiah Thomas was a star as soon as he stepped foot on the basketball court. But his mother realized that better than him. Back during his teenage years, The legendary Detroit Pistons player’s family was dealing with poverty. But momma Thomas denied letting his child go for money.

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In a recent interview on the Pivot Podcast, the 12-time All-Star explained how back in the day his mother made all the decisions for him, including the college he?d play for. His mother decided on the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, as she felt her kid would imbibe discipline from coach Bob Knight. When asked about his decision to join Indiana Thomas had a hilarious answer prepared.

?First of all, you’re giving me a little bit too much credit saying that I made the decision. Because my mother made the decision,? said Thomas. He further added, ?you know how kids, put their hat on and say, hey I’ve decided to go to, you know, X University. My mom called the press conference. And said ?My son has made his decision.‘ I was sitting right next to it like this[puts his head down]. She said ?My son has decided that he’s going to Indiana university to play for Bob Knight?.?

The Pistons legend explained how it was a different era back then, and parents took most of their children?s decisions. Therefore, he had to give up the spotlight in his hometown after his mother’s decision. It was indeed a different time, as Thomas?s reputation as ‘Chicago’s son’ faded away, as Michael Jordan achieved greatness. It was certainly a fact, that reportedly irked Thomas, to a point that he still doesn?t like MJ.

The beef between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan

The despise was mutual, MJ was a behemoth on-court and couldn?t get past the Pistons at a point. The Chicago Bulls legend was aware that Isiah wasn?t a fan of him as well. Another reason for him to dislike the Pistons legend.?

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Thomas was disappointed at the fact that the only love that he received from Chicago was from his family. To fuel this, he was also left out of the 1992 Dream Team on MJ?s instructions despite being qualified for the job.

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