Isiah Thomas isn’t just a name—it’s a legacy. From orchestrating dazzling plays on the court to clinching back-to-back NBA championships, he remains one of basketball’s most iconic point guards. A 12x All-Star and Hall of Famer, Thomas defined an era of grit and greatness. But while his rivalry with Michael Jordan is often the highlight of conversations, there’s a quieter side of Thomas’ life that many overlook—his personal story.

Interestingly, The Last Dance docuseries reignited the spotlight on Thomas, especially his on-court clashes with Jordan. While that made headlines, what about the story behind the man off the court? For decades, Thomas has been a devoted family man. Let’s dig deeper into the life of Zeke and uncover the details of his married life that don’t often make it to the limelight.

Who is Isiah Thomas’s wife?

For almost 40 years, Isiah Thomas has been married to his college sweetheart, Lynn Kendall. The daughter of a Secret Service agent, Lynn met Isiah during their time at Indiana University. While not much is publicly known about the early days of their romance, the connection they built during those formative years endured as Thomas made his NBA debut in 1981.

Fast forward three years, and Thomas had solidified his place in the league. In the same year the Pistons handed him a massive 10-year, $12 million contract, he decided to seal another deal—one of love. Reports suggest that Thomas proposed to Lynn at the very spot where they first met on the Indiana University campus, blending nostalgia with romance in the sweetest way possible.

The couple tied the knot in 1985 at ‘Our Lady of Sorrows,’ marking the start of a journey filled with highs and lows. Three years later, they welcomed their first son, Joshua Zeke Thomas, in 1988. Yet, not everything was picture-perfect. Shortly after their wedding, Thomas faced a paternity suit involving a love child.

A turbulent time

Not long after Isiah Thomas and Lynn Kendall exchanged vows, their marriage faced an unexpected hurdle. In 1985, just two months into their newlywed life, a Michigan woman, Jenni Dones, claimed that Thomas was the father of her newborn son, Marc Edward Thomas Dones. Dones alleged they had an “intimate, exclusive, ongoing relationship” that resulted in Marc’s conception earlier that year. The claim led to a paternity suit, bringing Thomas’s private life into public scrutiny.

By 1987, the case was settled with a financial agreement. Thomas agreed to pay $52,000 upfront and provide monthly payments of $2,764.78 until Marc turned 18. Additionally, Marc would receive a $100,000 lump-sum payment when he reached adulthood. While the legal battle ended, the situation left its mark, and the strained dynamics between Marc and Thomas continued to make headlines.

Marc grew up to forge an impressive path, becoming a writer and poet before stepping into the role of CEO at the King County Homelessness Authority. Despite his professional success, his personal relationship with Thomas remained fractured. In a candid 2006 interview with the New York Post, Marc shared, “Our lives are separate. He lives his and I live mine… He hasn’t been a good dad to me. He’s never returned my calls — that’s just him.”

Even with this controversy, Thomas and Kendall weathered the storm together, raising their children, Joshua and Lauren. Lauren, born in 1991, largely stays out of the spotlight but has been open about her narcolepsy diagnosis in 2019. Through platforms like NPR and Project Sleep, she’s courageously shared her story, spreading awareness about the condition.

Meanwhile, Joshua has channeled his life experiences into art and advocacy. As a mental health advocate and sexual assault survivor, his music—featuring singles like ‘Dealin With It’ and ‘Love Me Sober’—reflects resilience and healing.

However, despite this turbulence, Isiah and Lynn’s relationship endured, standing tall as a testament to their bond and commitment.

Lynn always got Zeke’s back

Isiah Thomas’ love for basketball began long before his first NBA game. Growing up, he drew inspiration from legends he saw on the court, none more so than the Harlem Globetrotters. During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Thomas recalled the unforgettable moment that changed his life: “I remember the Harlem Globetrotters put on a show. I’ll never forget Curly Neal and Marques Haynes dribbling that basketball. They were dribbling like they were playing the piano. I said to myself that day, ‘I’m gonna learn how to do that.’”

With that kind of passion for the sport, it’s easy to see why basketball became such a central part of Thomas’ life. Even in his quieter, personal moments, the game stayed on his mind. Once, in a deep conversation with his wife Lynn Kendall, Thomas couldn’t help but wonder, “Lynn, do you think they have basketball in heaven?”

And Lynn’s answer was both lighthearted and full of the warmth that defines her relationship with Zeke. She replied, “I sure hope they do. They’ve got to have some form of recreation up there. I mean, sitting around eating grapes would be cool for a while, but you have to have something to do. I sure do hope they play ball. If not, I’ll be the Naismith of heaven.”

This exchange between the two perfectly highlights Thomas’ relentless dedication to basketball and Lynn’s unwavering support. Through thick and thin, Lynn has always been the one to ground him, whether the focus was on the game or life’s deeper questions.