Before Stephen Curry changed the game’s playstyle, there was another man to change the NBA’s perception. While Magic Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest point guard ever, a different PG brought parity in terms of height. Long regarded as a big men’s sport, even Michael Jordan was “too short” to win at the highest level. However, a Bad Boy changed that outlook. In the middle of the GOAT’s prime, one man gave him troubles more than any other – Isiah Thomas.

While they may have been heated rivals on the court, there is one similarity between them. Both Mike and Zeke owe a lot to their brothers. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast in April, Isiah Thomas broke down in tears remembering his legendary brother.

Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas – So far apart yet so far alike

The two never got along. It isn’t much of a stretch to say that the pair hated each other. Even though it’s a dispute, MJ is regarded as a big reason for Isiah not being a part of the Dream Team. However, the two share far more similarities than either would like to admit. Both were natural killers on the court, ruthless in their pursuit of victory. But there is one more place where the two are similar. Their love for their brother, and the influence said brothers had on them.

Michael has long attributed his older brother Larry as being the reason for wearing #23. According to him, he was half the player his brother used to be, and he wore 45. So, attributing him in the only way he could, Jordan wore 23 throughout his career. In homage, he did wear 45 once when his jersey went missing.

In a similar vein, 2x NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons spoke in high regard for his own brother. “So my older brother, Lord Henry…He may still hold the Catholic school scoring record…Back then, the NBA wasn’t on TV…So you only admired your the people in your neighborhood or your older brothers…But my brother Lord Henry was so smooth man.”

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Henry left a lasting impression on Thomas. “He got turned out on heroin, ended up dying several years ago. But man you talking about a pretty jump shot, between the leg dribbles, behind the back…The way he taught me to play the game was all spiritual…Junior, you just can’t play the game, you got to feel it…That’s how you tried to play. You put that spirituality into the game where you try to make that person who’s watching you play feel what you feel.” 

As he turned emotional, Zeke shared one beautiful tale of a kind gesture he did for Lord Henry.

Isiah Thomas wins everyone’s heart

In a week where his name is being brought up in the best Point Guard of all-time conversation, there is a story in his mind that Isiah remembers. One involving his late brother. After he was kicked out, Henry went back into the system at the University of Phoenix to complete his education.

On his graduation day, Thomas planned a surprise for him. Renting out a bus full of his friends, he drove them to Detroit. After meeting them, the entire group went to his graduation. Unaware, Lord Henry got on the stage to accept his certificate.

“And all his friends started to holler, ‘Lord Henry! Lord Henry!’ And man he broke down on the stage. And just started crying and crying like a little baby, man. That was one of the most beautiful days that I remember.” As his own voice cracked towards the end of the story, you couldn’t help but feel for Zeke.

While often maligned due to his on-court notoriety, his heart-touching story warmed everyone’s heart. As the allthesmoke IG handle put it best, “This one will have you in the feels.” 

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