Since his breakout performances with the Duke Blue Devils, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has carried considerable hype around his name. After joining the Dallas Mavericks, he delivered a commanding performance in the Summer League that drew comparisons to Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. However, a former teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isiah Thomas</a> expressed reservations about it.



“You put too much pressure on these guys. Number one, the great white hype, the great white hope. And so to me, Bird was Bird. They’ve been looking for the next <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Larry Bird</a> for I don’t know how many years,” Olden Polynice said, via Byron Scott’s Fast Break.



Former Pistons center Olden Polynice wants to ease the pressure on Cooper, not discredit him. The intense focus on him may actually be counterproductive, considering he is still awaiting his debut at the elite level and likely requires substantial development. For instance, after scoring just 10 points in his Summer League debut, he faced a wave of criticism, with some even labeling him overrated.



“Magic became Magic through hard work, and Bird became Bird. Jordan became Jordan. Dominique became Dominique. They worked hard. They became the players. So we’re seeing them, we’re seeing the finished product. These guys now, they’re being created before they even played. We don’t even know if this dude’s body can hold up for 82 games,” Olden Polynice affirmed on Byron Scott’s Fast Break.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250715_BUS_441717_cooper-flagg-lakers-1024x576_692f2d67.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="2025 NBA Summer League: Cooper Flagg against Los Angeles Lakers" class="wp-image-438872" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/11194330/cooper-flagg-lakers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>DJ Steward #27 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League</figcaption></figure>



Moreover, Cooper Flagg openly admitted he is still acclimating to the fast-paced competition of the elite level. For that reason, Olden’s perspective has been warmly embraced by fans across the league. Nevertheless, his unique potential was on full display when he dominated the court, scoring 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs in the Summer League, hinting at a promising future in league history.


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Cooper is undeniably stirring up excitement in Dallas. Despite his challenging debut against the Lakers, former Mavericks player Charlie Villanueva did not hold back in his praise. “He struggled a little bit in the first game, but that’s part of the process. But I think he’s gonna be a phenomenal player and I can’t wait to see him on the Mavs uniform,” he stated via the Mavericks’ YouTube channel.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> are treating him like another star on the roster. According to ESPN, they decided to keep him out of the Summer League team. While they have not disclosed the specific reasons, it’s likely a strategic move to prevent injuries and protect his long-term potential, acknowledging the valuable talent they have on their team.

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Former Isiah Thomas teammate warns against comparing Cooper Flagg to Larry Bird - Bolavip US

miniaturas

On Thursday night, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Indiana Pacers</a> put on a basketball clinic against the Oklahoma City Thunder, cruising to a 108-91 win and forcing Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In the aftermath, Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas made a bold claim about what he thinks will go down in Sunday’s decisive matchup.



“I’m going to go with Indiana in an upset in Game 7,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> said on NBA TV following Thursday’s game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. “I thought it was going to be Indiana in six. I thought they blew Game 4 here, but I think that they are capable of winning Game 7 in OKC.”



Explaining his prediction, Isiah pointed to the difference in how each team distributes offensive responsibility. “I think Indiana’s guys, Indiana players, because they don’t depend on one guy to get 25, they’ve got 5-6 guys who get 15-16-17,” he said. “They’re very comfortable in that range, and I think their game will travel in a Game 7.”



The Detroit point guard’s remark clearly refers to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">OKC</a>’s heavy reliance on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. When the 2025 MVP isn’t at his best—as was the case in Game 6, where he had more turnovers (8) than made field goals (7)—the team often struggles to find answers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250620_BUS_422671_2025-NBA-finals-1024x559_8113a74c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="2025 NBA Finals- Pacers vs. Thunder" class="wp-image-412847" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06132750/2025-NBA-finals-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06132750/2025-NBA-finals-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06132750/2025-NBA-finals-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06132750/2025-NBA-finals-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06132750/2025-NBA-finals.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers is defended by Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2025 NBA Finals. </figcaption></figure>



“I just think, because of tonight, the confidence that they played with, and maybe they shook the confidence of one or two of OKC’s players, and that’s all you need in a seven-game series, when one of the guys is a little bit off,” Thomas noted.


 

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<h2>What did Shai say after the game?</h2>



Following Oklahoma City’s loss that pushed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Finals to Game 7, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the media in a postgame press conference, offering his perspective on the Thunder’s performance. He specifically reflected on what it felt like to watch the fourth quarter from the bench with Indiana holding an insurmountable lead.



“I was thinking about what we could have done better, what I could have done better tonight… Just trying to do everything I can, everything I can learn from to get ready for the next game,” the guard admitted in a video shared by reporter Clemente Almanza on his X account. “Also watching the group on the floor, was impressive, they were great. They haven’t played the whole series and then they go out and play as hard as they did, it was inspiring. They were really good tonight, kinda taught me a lesson.”



Shai also underlined what a Game 7 in the NBA Finals means. “It’s one game for everything you’ve ever dreamed of,” he said. “If you win it, you get everything. If you lose it, you get nothing. It’s that simple.”


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> made an indelible mark on the NBA during nearly two decades as a professional basketball player. And without a doubt, the place where he left the strongest legacy was with the Chicago Bulls. However, now Derrick Rose, another icon of the franchise, has chosen MJ’s biggest rival as his favorite in the GOAT debate.



“My GOAT now is Isiah Thomas because he’s from Chicago,” revealed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/derrick-rose">Rose</a> during a recent interview with HoopsHype. The 2011 league MVP then highlighted a key reason behind his pick: “The only guy who beat Magic (Johnson), Mike (Jordan), and (Larry) Bird all in their prime at 6-3. Chicago’s way of doing (expletive).”



This answer is surprising for several reasons. First, because most players tend to name Jordan as their GOAT—especially those who played for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Bulls</a>. And also because Rose himself had previously mentioned His Airness as the greatest of all time.



“I used to say MJ, but it wasn’t MJ. I said it because I was intrigued by his story and how he won,” Derrick clarified. He then pointed to how his own experience as a player influenced his decision to choose Thomas over Michael. “I’m not a two-guard. I don’t score like him at all. So it was just me just admiring his story.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250603_BUS_410509_isiah-thomas-2-1024x576_3b948492.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-341727" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21184654/isiah-thomas-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Isiah Thomas in action during an NBA game with the Detroit Pistons.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rose’s strong ties to the city of Chicago</h2>



Despite being one of the most important Bulls players of this century—in fact, the only member of the franchise to win the MVP award in the last 27 years—Derrick Rose has always made it clear that his main allegiance is to the city of Chicago, where he was born in October 1988.


 

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With that in mind, in an interview earlier this year on the Out The Mud podcast, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/bulls-icon-derrick-rose-names-his-top-5-chicago-players-picks-michael-jordans-arch-nemesis">Rose named his top five Chicago players</a>. “I gotta go Zeke,” he said first, referring to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> and remaining consistent with his current choice of the Detroit Pistons icon as the GOAT.



Derrick then highlighted other former NBA players born in Chicago, such as Will Bynum, Tony Allen, Jabari Parker, Patrick Beverley, and Sherron Collins.



<h2>The rivalry between Jordan and Thomas</h2>



The clashes between Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas began in MJ’s early years in the league. He was already the undisputed leader of the Bulls, but had yet to take them to the top of the Eastern Conference, largely due to the Detroit Pistons.



For three consecutive years, from 1988 to 1990, the Bad Boys knocked Chicago out of the playoffs, winning the championship in two of those three seasons. The streak finally ended in 1991, and from that point on, MJ would dominate the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>—but his relationship with Thomas was never repaired.



The tension reached such a point that, during the lead-up to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the question of whether or not Isiah would be included became a key issue in Jordan’s decision to join Team USA. While Mike always denied making Thomas’s exclusion a condition, he did acknowledge that discussions on the matter took place—and in the end, Thomas was left off the roster despite his basketball credentials.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="683f4eb89a59e2e0ea8f6ec7" data-title="Is Isiah Thomas the greatest player in NBA history?" data-options="2"></div>

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Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose names Michael Jordan's biggest rival as his NBA GOAT - Bolavip US

Isiah Thomas, the Hall of Fame point guard and iconic leader of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a>‘ “Bad Boys” era, remains one of the most revered competitors in NBA history. A two-time champion and 12-time All-Star, Thomas helped redefine what it meant to be a floor general, leading with grit, intelligence, and unwavering toughness. Recently, the legendary guard opened up about the toughest defenders he faced during his decorated career.



In a 2023 interview, Thomas named his top three defenders of all time, including two former Chicago Bulls stars and one of the greatest two-way centers in league history. While he claimed he wasn’t ranking them, Thomas has previously gone on record stating that Scottie Pippen tops his list as the best defender in NBA history, with Dennis Rodman coming in second.



“As a defender, he doesn’t get enough credit,” Thomas said on the ALL THE SMOKE podcast. “When we talk about the greatest and best defenders that have ever played in the NBA, Chicago had two of them — Rodman and Scottie Pippen.”



“Scottie was different,” Thomas continued. “At his best, I may have to say that he and Rodman were the one-two best defenders to ever play the game. I want to give him his respect and his props. And then, as a facilitator, Scottie — he was the real deal.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="408135" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250531_BUS_408133_GettyImages-120986062-1_3135e5d1.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="rodman-pippen-bulls-legend" class="wp-image-408135" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/30215220/GettyImages-120986062-1-250x140.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Dennis Rodman poses with Scotty Pippen during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Thomas vs Pippen: A storied rivalry</h2>



The rivalry between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> and Scottie Pippen took shape in the late 1980s, when the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls became perennial Eastern Conference contenders. As the fiery leader of the Pistons, Thomas personified the physical, confrontational style of basketball that defined the era and often frustrated the rising Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and supported by a maturing Pippen.


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Those postseason battles were nothing short of legendary. Detroit’s “Jordan Rules” didn’t just target Jordan—they also tested Pippen’s resilience. The Bulls forward, still emerging as a star, took repeated hits from Detroit’s bruising defense, both physically and psychologically. Thomas, never shy in front of a mic, frequently questioned Pippen’s toughness and leadership compared to Jordan, fueling a personal and professional feud that has lingered long after their careers ended.



<h2>Rodman’s complex connection with Thomas</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dennis-rodman">Dennis Rodman</a>’s relationship with Thomas was more layered. Originally teammates on the Pistons, the two helped shape Detroit’s identity as the NBA’s most feared defensive unit. Rodman’s energy, versatility, and defensive prowess complemented Thomas’s leadership during their back-to-back title runs in 1989 and 1990.



However, Rodman’s eventual move to the Bulls in the mid-1990s complicated their legacy. By joining Chicago — the very franchise Detroit had built its identity around defeating — Rodman became part of the dynasty the Pistons once stood against. The dynamic shifted, and while mutual respect remained, the symbolism of Rodman wearing a Bulls jersey stung for many Pistons loyalists, including Thomas.



<h2>More than a rivalry — a cultural divide</h2>



Despite moments of mutual respect among all three players, personal pride and competitive fire have long fueled the tension between Thomas, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Pippen</a>, and Rodman. For Thomas, the Pistons’ legacy — one forged in sweat, defense, and defiance — is too often overlooked in favor of the flashier narratives surrounding the Bulls dynasty. He continues to be a vocal advocate for what Detroit represented during its golden years.


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Their rivalry was more than physical — it was deeply cultural and symbolic. It wasn’t just about winning games; it was about defining eras, identities, and ultimately, greatness. And for Isiah Thomas, those matchups — and those defenders — are etched into <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history with the intensity they brought to every possession.

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Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas names the toughest defenders he has ever faced - Bolavip US

The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals, leading the New York Knicks 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. A key reason for their success? <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tyrese-haliburton">Tyrese Haliburton</a>’s electrifying performances throughout the playoffs. The young star has not only been a game-changer but also drawn comparisons to one of basketball’s greatest icons, Magic Johnson, thanks to praise from Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas.



The 25-year-old point guard has solidified his status as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Pacers</a>’ leader, stepping up when it matters most. In Indiana’s pivotal 130-121 Game 4 win over the Knicks, Haliburton recorded a remarkable triple-double, tallying 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading all scorers in the contest.



Haliburton’s rise to stardom makes his draft story even more compelling. Selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Draft, Haliburton was traded to Indiana after just 109 games. 



Reflecting on his journey, Thomas suggested the Kings—and other teams that passed on him—overlooked his unique talents. He went on to compare Haliburton’s trajectory to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Magic Johnson</a>’s, highlighting how early critics misunderstood both players’ extraordinary skill sets.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250529_BUS_407218_tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-1024x576_ec0e6510.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-407331" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/29161020/tyrese-haliburton-magic-johnson.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Isiah Thomas compared Tyrese Haliburton’s run with Magic Johnson’s early days in the NBA. (Gregory Shamus/Tim Defrisco/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



“He was coming out in a draft from Iowa. People said his shot was messed up, everything was wrong. But the thing you missed the most was how gifted he is,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> said on NBA TV.


 

 

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“And the gifted players, and I’m gonna use Magic Johnson as an example,” Thomas continued. “Magic, they were saying that everything he did was wrong — the no-look, the shot was bad, this was bad. But what you missed when you’re evaluating talent is the specialness of the gifts that we’re watching and seeing“.



<h2>Rick Carlisle unlocked Haliburton’s potential</h2>



Thomas credited Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle for recognizing Haliburton’s unique abilities and building an offense tailored to his strengths—something the Kings failed to capitalize on.



“What Haliburton has done since he’s gotten to the league, he’s been so unique that they didn’t know what they had in Sacramento. And in the Draft, they did not know what they were looking at,” Thomas explained.



“He gets an old-school coach in Rick Carlisle, and Rick Carlisle goes, ‘Wait a minute, this is different.’ So they design a whole offense around his skill — passing, running, jumping, moving, fast, everything else,” he added.

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The series between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors has been one of the most competitive and thrilling matchups of the first round of the playoffs. Following Friday night’s 115-107 win, the Texas team forced a Game 7, which will be played Sunday at Toyota Center. Despite the Warriors’ loss, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/draymond-green">Draymond Green</a> managed to surpass NBA legend Isiah Thomas in a key statistical category.



Green played 37 minutes, recording 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. In that last category, he was one of the game’s top performers—trailing only his teammate Jimmy Butler and Houston’s Fred VanVleet, who each had 8 assists.



This performance pushed Draymond past <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> on the all-time NBA Playoffs assists leaderboard. With 992 assists, the Warriors forward now ranks 15th overall, edging out the Detroit Pistons icon, who finished his career with 987.



Green also remains the fourth-highest active player on the list. Ahead of him are LeBron James (2nd with 2,095), Chris Paul (5th with 1,233), and James Harden (8th with 1,112). Of those, only the Los Angeles Clippers guard has a chance to improve his stats during the current postseason.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250503_BUS_390479_GettyImages-2209465373-1-1024x576_7c1b0fa5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates his three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs" class="wp-image-374912" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11182600/GettyImages-2209465373-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates his three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Who could Draymond Green surpass next?</h2>



After passing Isiah Thomas, Draymond Green could continue climbing the list—if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Warriors</a> play enough games this postseason. The next name ahead of him is former Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, who had 1,006 assists—just 14 more than Draymond. Following that, with 1,022, is none other than Michael Jordan.


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<h2>Who holds the all-time record for assists in NBA playoff history?</h2>



When it comes to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Playoffs, one player stands alone as the undisputed king of assists: Magic Johnson. The legendary point guard played 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1991, plus a brief return in 1995–96, reaching the playoffs in each of those campaigns.



That consistent postseason presence allowed Earvin to put up staggering numbers that remain unmatched. He leads the all-time playoff assists leaderboard with 2,346—holding a margin of more than 250 over LeBron, his closest competitor.



Considering Johnson played in 190 playoff games with the Lakers, that averages out to an astonishing 12.3 assists per game—a remarkable figure that highlights his elite ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.


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Draymond Green Passes Isiah Thomas For 15th on NBA Playoffs All-Time Assists List

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Detroit legend Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan&#039;s biggest rival, names the best NBA player of all time

Paul Pierce, Isiah Thomas agree on naming Bulls icon as the greatest defender in NBA history

Draymond Green passes NBA legend Isiah Thomas with impressive playoff feat in Warriors vs Rockets clash - Bolavip US

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls’ success during the 1990s, but other players on those championship teams played pivotal roles in the franchise’s success. Now, NBA legends like Isiah Thomas and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-pierce">Paul Pierce</a> are speaking out to honor a Bulls icon for his exceptional defensive skills.



“When we talk about the greatest and best defenders ever to play in the NBA, Chicago had two of them,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> said during a 2023 interview with All the Smoke. “(Dennis) Rodman and Scottie Pippen. But Scottie—Scottie was different.”



Elaborating on his praise for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Pippen</a>, Isiah added: “As a defender, right, he doesn’t get enough credit.” He then went further, stating: “As a defender at his best, I may have to say that he and Dennis Rodman are one and two, the best defenders to ever play the game.”



Thomas emphasized that Pippen’s influence extended beyond just defense. “As a facilitator, Scottie, you know, he was the real deal,” the Detroit Pistons legend said. “So I do want to give him his respect and his props.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250222_BUS_341838_Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-1024x576_ceba0e17.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-310042" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09203558/Michael-Jordan-Scottie-Pippen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls during the 1993 NBA Finals – Game 3.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Paul Pierce highlights Pippen’s defensive prowess</h2>



Isiah Thomas wasn’t the only one to laud Pippen’s defensive impact. Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently recalled his experience going up against Scottie when the Chicago star was preparing for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.


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“I played against the Dream Team, and Scottie locked me up on the sideline,” Pierce remembered on the Ticket and the Truth podcast. “I was like, ‘Whoa! I’m being trapped.’ I turned, it was only Scottie Pippen, right there. And then he just knocked the ball out of my hand.”



Reflecting on the encounter, the 2008 NBA champion added: “He’s the best defensive wing. Like if I needed a wingman anybody in history, all the top scorer, if I needed someone to match up against Durant, LeBron, Kobe, I want prime Pippen.”



<h2>Pippen’s legacy</h2>



Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. A key figure on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a>‘ six-title teams, Pippen’s brilliance was central to the franchise’s dominance during the 1990s. He was also an integral part of the legendary Dream Team that captured the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and helped Team USA win another gold in Atlanta 1996.



As highlighted by Paul Pierce and Isiah Thomas, Pippen’s defensive contributions are undeniable. He remains eighth on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>‘s all-time steals list. Notably, two active players—Chris Paul and LeBron James—sit alongside Pippen in the top 10, with legendary figures such as John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Michael Jordan also featured.



Scottie Pippen’s brilliance extended beyond his defensive prowess, as his offensive abilities were equally impressive. With the exception of his first and final seasons, the former forward consistently averaged double-digit points per game throughout his career. His most notable season came in 1993-94, when he posted career highs in points, steals, and rebounds during Michael Jordan’s brief retirement. This period highlighted Pippen’s leadership and versatility, as he embraced different roles to meet the team’s needs.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> was one of the most prominent basketball players of the 1980s, leaving his mark as the leader of the Detroit Pistons. He was a cornerstone of the infamous “Bad Boys,” a gritty, physical team that dominated the era and secured two NBA championships. The Pistons also forged one of the fiercest rivalries in basketball history with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. To this day, Thomas and Jordan maintain no relationship, a fact that continues to shape their legacies.



As basketball has evolved, so have its stars. Generational shifts in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> have ushered in new rule changes and fresh icons, with players like LeBron James becoming the focus of admiration for fans. 



However, the league’s legends remain revered, and debates over the greatest players continue to surface. Thomas weighed in on the conversation by naming his all-time starting five.



In a 2020 interview with Marca, the Pistons’ Hall of Fame point guard praised current Lakers superstar LeBron James while omitting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> from his lineup. The exclusion only reaffirmed that the decades-old animosity between the two NBA legends is still alive. For his all-time starting five, Thomas included himself alongside Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, and LeBron James.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250221_BUS_341725_lebron-1024x576_d29c03e9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-341746" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21185549/lebron.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ceremoniously hands LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers the ball after James passed Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. (Harry How/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Thomas explains leaving Jordan out</h2>



Thomas didn’t shy away from addressing his decision to exclude Jordan, linking it to contributions off the court. “Today, within the white community, it may be different. Tom Brady or Joe Montana don’t have to speak up for themselves,” Thomas explained. “In the Black community, it’s a different story. Joe Louis had to when he fought Max Schmeling, Jesse Owens when he won gold in Germany”.


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He continued, comparing Jordan to athletes known for their social impact. “Muhammad Ali wasn’t the greatest because he could knock people out; he was the greatest for what he did outside the ring. In the NBA, Russell carried that responsibility, Kareem carried it, Dr. J carried it, I carried it, and LeBron is doing it now”.



For Thomas, the criteria for greatness go beyond basketball accolades. “To choose the GOAT in the NBA, you have to look beyond the court. You need to be a champion on and off the court,” he added, indirectly critiquing Jordan. “The numbers from his career don’t lie, but neither do his actions outside the game”.



<h2>Thomas chooses LeBron over Jordan</h2>



Thomas didn’t hold back in his praise for LeBron James, who he views as the most complete player in NBA history, even surpassing Jordan. “In terms of being a complete basketball player—passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding—nobody matches him,” Thomas declared. “We’ve never had a player dominate in so many statistical categories and in every aspect of the game. That’s LeBron James”.



The former coach of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks (2000–2012) further emphasized his admiration for James’ versatility and dominance. While debates about the GOAT continue, Thomas’ loyalty to players who contribute both on and off the court solidifies his stance on the game’s greatest stars.

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Without Michael Jordan: Pistons legend Isiah Thomas reveals his all-time starting five of the NBA - Bolavip US

The 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona marked the debut of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> players in international competition, showcasing a level of basketball dominance the world had never seen. Led by legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Scottie Pippen, the Dream Team breezed to the gold medal. However, one of the most controversial aspects of the team’s formation was the exclusion of Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas—a decision that has fueled debates for decades.



While rumors have long suggested that Michael Jordan played a pivotal role in Thomas’ omission, the Bulls icon has consistently denied responsibility. Yet, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tim-hardaway">Tim Hardaway</a> recently shared details that appear to shed more light on the situation.



“They came to Michael. They really needed Michael to play. David Stern and the Olympic team said, ‘Hey Mike, we really need you to play for this to go global.’ Mike said, ‘Alright, I will play only if Isiah [Thomas] is not on the team,’” Hardaway revealed during an interview with Gilbert Arenas.



“He said that to them. Magic was cool with that. What’s really crazy is that the coach had trouble with that. He wanted his guy on the team,” Hardaway added. “Chuck Daly had trouble. But he knew it was business. He wanted to be that first person to get that gold for the Dream Team. He had to be okay with it, but he wasn’t okay with it”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250221_BUS_341606_dream-team-1024x576_9ce254a5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-341608" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/21161526/dream-team.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>The Dream Team receives the gold medal during the awards ceremony at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. (IMAGO / Pressefoto Baumann)</figcaption></figure>



Despite Detroit Pistons head coach Chuck Daly leading the Dream Team and advocating for Thomas, higher-level decisions ultimately prioritized team chemistry over individual merit.


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<h2>Hardaway on giving his spot to Magic Johnson</h2>



At the time, Tim Hardaway was considered a strong candidate to join the Dream Team heading into the 1992 Olympics. However, he voluntarily gave up his spot in the All-Star Game to Magic Johnson, who was initially thought to be unable to play due to health concerns but ultimately participated.



“Magic went out because of health problems. After they found out he could still play, I gave him my starting spot in the All-Star game,” Hardaway admitted. “If Magic was playing, he would have been first-team All-NBA. He would have been on the All-Star team, he would have been starting, no question. … I live in the real world. I understood that. That’s the way it was. I didn’t think anything of it. It’s Magic”.



<h2>Michael Jordan denies keeping Thomas off the team</h2>



Speculation surrounding Michael Jordan’s influence on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a>’ exclusion has persisted for years. However, Jordan denied directly barring Thomas during his comments in The Last Dance documentary.



“Before the ’92 Olympics, Rod Thorn calls me and says, ‘We would love for you to be on the Dream Team,’” Jordan recalled. “I say, ‘Who’s all playing?’ He says, ‘What does that mean?’ I say, ‘Who’s all playing?’ He says, ‘Well, the guy you’re thinking about isn’t going to be playing’”.



While Jordan dismissed the notion that he actively excluded Thomas, many believe his preference played a significant role in the decision. “It was insinuated that I was asking about him, but I never threw his name in there,” Jordan explained. “If you want to attribute it to me, go ahead. But it wasn’t me”.

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Tim Hardaway reveals major details about Isiah Thomas’ exclusion from the 1992 Dream Team - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> legend Dwyane Wade, who was invited to the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team ceremony in 2022, recently shared an incredible behind-the-scenes story involving two of the league’s most iconic figures—Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.



The long-standing rivalry between Jordan and Thomas is one of the most infamous in NBA history, dating back over three decades. Wade provided fresh insight into their tense dynamic during a candid conversation on his podcast.



Wade described the surreal atmosphere as players lined up to be introduced at the ceremony. Positioned near Jordan and Thomas, he immediately sensed the lingering animosity between the two basketball legends. “These older players are bitter. They don’t like each other,” Wade said. “When they say they didn’t f*** with each other, they do not mess with each other. Our generation? We mess with each other. That’s why they call us soft or whatever. But them? Nah.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwayne-wade">Wade</a> went on to recall Thomas’ visibly agitated demeanor. “So I’m sitting there next to Steph [Curry], and we’re geeking out because it’s Mike and Magic. But then I look at Zeke [Isiah Thomas]—and he’s shaking, talking to himself,” Wade recounted. “So I walk over, a little messy, and ask, ‘Zeke, what’s wrong?’ He just says, ‘Back there.’”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250208_BUS_331124_GettyImages-551089-1-1024x576_01dfb06b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head Coach Isiah Thomas of the Indiana Pacers watches the action during the game against the Seattle Sonics" class="wp-image-331126" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08180318/GettyImages-551089-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Isiah Thomas of the Indiana Pacers watches the action during the game against the Seattle Sonics</figcaption></figure>



“They did not speak. No conversation. And my guy Mike and Magic back there laughing, which probably made Isiah even hotter because he didn’t have his road dog with him to laugh at his jokes,” Wade said with a laugh.


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<h2>A Rivalry that defined an era</h2>



The feud between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> and Thomas is one of the NBA’s most intense and enduring. It dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Thomas’ “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons often clashed with Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Detroit eliminated Chicago in three straight playoffs (1988-1990) with their signature physical play before the Bulls finally broke through in 1991.



The rivalry’s most infamous moment came during the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals when the Bulls swept the Pistons. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> led his team off the court without shaking hands with Jordan and his teammates—a gesture Jordan never forgot. Many believe that incident played a role in Thomas’ exclusion from the 1992 Dream Team, despite his standing as one of the top point guards of his era.



<h2>A changing NBA landscape</h2>



Wade’s story underscores how the league’s culture has evolved. The intense, personal rivalries that once fueled the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> have largely given way to a more collegial atmosphere among today’s players. While this shift has brought a new level of camaraderie, some fans miss the fiery competitive edge that defined previous generations. As Wade put it, the NBA may be softer now—but moments like this show that old grudges never truly die.

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The Chicago Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s is legendary, led by the indomitable <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> and Scottie Pippen, with key contributions from other stars. However, after that golden era, the franchise faced a long stretch of mediocrity until Derrick Rose appeared and re-energized the franchise in the late 2000s. As the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Rose became the youngest player ever to win the MVP award in 2011. His contributions to the Bulls are forever etched in franchise lore, and the team plans to retire his No. 1 jersey in recognition of his impact.



In a conversation on the Out The Mud podcast with former NBA players Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/derrick-rose">Rose</a> was tasked with naming his top five players from the city of Chicago, and his selections sparked interesting discussions.



“I gotta go Zeke,” Derrick began, referring to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a>. The Hall of Fame point guard, known for leading the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, was a fierce competitor. Thomas, a central figure in one of the most intense rivalries in NBA history with Michael Jordan’s Bulls, remains a polarizing figure in Chicago’s basketball history.



Rose’s second pick was somewhat unconventional: “I gotta go Will Bynum,” he said. Bynum, a former guard for the Pistons, retired in 2018, but his influence on the game in Chicago ran deep. “Only reason I threw Will on there, was a (expletive) prodigy,” Derrick explained.



Tony Allen also praised Bynum’s impact on Chicago. “They don’t understand what he meant to the city,” he said. “What he meant to my life… I was lost, and he pulled me back into the realm of school and basketball.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250124_BUS_320220_Isiah-Thomas-1-1024x576_1ca34eab.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-320233" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/23195335/Isiah-Thomas-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Chicago-born Isiah Thomas take the floor for a halftime ceremony at the final NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards on April 10, 2017.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tony Allen is on Rose’s top 5</h2>



In continuing with his list of top Chicago-born NBA players, Derrick Rose included one of his podcast interviewers, Tony Allen. “TA… That’s a fact… TA,” he said, nodding to Allen’s legendary defensive prowess.



Allen, a standout small forward known for his tenacious defense, had successful stints with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, before retiring in 2018 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Upon hearing the praise, Tony was visibly humbled. “Take me off there, I don’t want to be on there,” he said, clearly uncomfortable with the attention from his former teammate.



<h2>The rest of Rose’s list</h2>



Derrick Rose continued with his selections, adding Jabari Parker. “I gotta go Jabari,” Rose said, referencing the 2014 second overall pick, whose career, though filled with promise, was marred by injuries. Parker played for several teams, including the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Bulls</a>, and currently plays in Spain for FC Barcelona.



“I’ma throw Pat on there,” Derrick added. Patrick Beverley, a relentless competitor, was known for his defensive intensity. He had stints with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, and has played across multiple countries, including Russia and Israel.



“I’m a throw Sherron’s name up there because when he was playing he was a (expletive) too.” The final spot on Rose’s list went to Sherron Collins, a player with a brief NBA career but significant local impact. Collins, who played just 20 games with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010-11, earned praise from Rose for his toughness and influence, despite not reaching the same level of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> success as others on the list.


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<h2>Rose’s broader perspective on success</h2>



It’s clear that Rose’s criteria went beyond just NBA accolades. His selections emphasize the cultural and personal connections these players had to Chicago, not only for their on-court achievements but also for the way they impacted the city and the community.

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The 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona showcased the unmatched dominance of USA basketball as NBA players competed for the first time. Headlined by superstars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Scottie Pippen</a>, the Dream Team cruised to a gold medal. However, one glaring omission from the roster was Detroit Pistons’ legendary point guard Isiah Thomas—a decision that has sparked debate for decades.



Pippen recently addressed the issue during an appearance on the PBD Podcast, offering insight into the dynamics behind Thomas’ exclusion. Former Bulls star explained that Thomas’ absence wasn’t solely because of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a>, as widely speculated, but stemmed from his rocky relationships with multiple Dream Team members.



“I think it was a known fact that he wasn’t on the team,” Pippen said. “I can’t say why he wasn’t on the team. I can’t even point… or say that any individual put him off the team”.



Pippen elaborated, emphasizing the role personal dynamics played in shaping the roster. “Basketball is a game built on relationships, and that team was put together based on relationships—players they felt could get along, play together, and contribute the right way to win a gold medal”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250121_BUS_318659_scottie-pippen-2-1024x576_60abae97.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-318670" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/21161756/scottie-pippen-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 gold medal ceremony at Barcelona. (IMAGO / WEREK)</figcaption></figure>



Despite Pistons head coach Chuck Daly leading the Dream Team, the roster choices made by higher authorities seemed to prioritize chemistry over individual merit.


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<h2>Thomas wasn’t the only star left out</h2>



Pippen also addressed the exclusion of Dominique Wilkins, another notable <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> superstar of the era. “Dominique Wilkins was left off that team, and I personally feel as bad as anyone,” Pippen shared. “To see a guy who I idolized, who I looked up to, who I guarded numerous times, not be a part of that team”.



However, Pippen admitted he wouldn’t have sacrificed his spot for Wilkins or anyone else. “But I didn’t want to give up my seat,” Pippen added. “With all respect, I felt like he deserved to be on that team as well—not just Isiah“.



<h2>Michael Jordan’s take on the controversy</h2>



Many have speculated that Michael Jordan played a direct role in keeping <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> off the team. However, Jordan denied those claims during his remarks in the documentary The Last Dance.



“Before the ’92 Olympics, Rod Thorn calls me and says, ‘We would love for you to be on the Dream Team,&apos;” Jordan said in the series. “I say, ‘Who’s all playing?’ He says, ‘What does that mean?’ I say, ‘Who’s all playing?’ He says, ‘Well, the guy you’re thinking about isn’t going to be playing&apos;”.



Jordan continued, expressing respect for Thomas’ talent. “I respect Isiah Thomas’ talent. To me, the best point guard of all time is Magic Johnson, and right behind him is Isiah Thomas. No matter how much I hate him, I respect his game”.



He eventually dismissed the idea that he actively excluded Thomas, but as much as Jordan himself makes it clear, many believe his thinking heavily influenced the decision. “It was insinuated that I was asking about him, but I never threw his name in there,” he explained. “If you want to attribute it to me, go ahead. But it wasn’t me”.

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Scottie Pippen opens up about Isiah Thomas' snub from the 1992 Dream Team - Bolavip US

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the Detroit Pistons earned the nickname “Bad Boys” due to their aggressive and physical style of play. This fierce competitiveness led to great success, including back-to-back <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championships in 1989 and 1990, but also sparked an unforgettable rivalry with the Chicago Bulls. At the heart of the Pistons’ success was Isiah Thomas, their biggest star and Michael Jordan‘s fiercest rival.



After retiring in 1994, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> has frequently shared his views on who should be considered the greatest player in NBA history. Surprisingly, his opinion has evolved over time. “When you say ‘the greatest of all time,’ I started with Michael (Jordan),” he acknowledged in an interview with SQUADawkins.



During their rivalry, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> eliminated the Bulls from the Eastern Conference Playoffs three years in a row, and in two of those seasons, they went on to win the NBA title. However, in 1991, Chicago reversed the tide, beating Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals — a crucial step on their journey to their first championship. “I remember looking directly in his eyes, and it was like, ‘Whatever you do, whatever you say, we’re gonna beat you,’” Thomas recalled of those intense matchups.



However, Isiah admitted that his perspective on the GOAT debate shifted after his playing career ended. “Then I retired and started saying, ‘OK, let me get something to back up my opinion,’” he said. His research led him to consider the achievements of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “I said, ‘Wait a minute, time out. Nobody ever did anything like what Kareem did. High school, college, all-time scoring leader, activist — all of that.’”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250103_BUS_305289_Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-1024x576_00d7f7cf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-305299" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/02194908/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-LeBron-James.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands on court with LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers after James passed Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Thomas’ final pick in the GOAT debate</h2>



After revisiting his views on Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar, Thomas made another surprising shift. “Then LeBron (James) comes along and now he’s broken Kareem’s record,” Thomas said. “He’s at the top of almost every statistic, and what amazes me the most is that he surpassed Magic Johnson’s assists, who I consider the best point guard in history.”



Isiah emphasized <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>’s versatility and impact on the game: “There has never been a player capable of dominating so many aspects of the game as he does. The numbers don’t lie, and neither do the feelings he conveys as the leader of his teams. So for me, there is no doubt that he is the best in history.”



<h2>Thomas’ rivalry with Michael Jordan</h2>



The rivalry between Isiah Thomas and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> extended far beyond the heated matchups between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. Their contentious relationship has often been cited as the primary reason why Thomas was left off the legendary 1992 ‘Dream Team,’ which represented the United States at the Barcelona Olympics. While numerous accounts have surfaced about what transpired, the full truth remains elusive.


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When reflecting on Jordan’s career, Thomas offered a candid and critical perspective, noting that MJ wasn’t always the dominant force he is often remembered as today. “Michael Jordan in the ’80s — he never won. He never beat Larry Bird,” Thomas said in an interview with ESPN. “You show Michael Jordan going between his legs one time in his highlights against Larry Bird, and that was the game he got 63. But if my memory serves me correct, they got swept — not lost, they got swept.”



Thomas elaborated further: “Michael Jordan didn’t beat Larry Bird. He never beat Magic (Johnson) or Kareem.” Drawing a sharp contrast between their careers, he concluded, “Truth be told, I beat Magic and Kareem, and I beat Larry Bird and his Celtics. Michael Jordan never beat those teams.”

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Detroit legend Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan's biggest rival, names the best NBA player of all time - Bolavip US

It has become almost a cliché in recent years to regard LeBron James as the best player in the NBA, and he has consistently provided plenty of reasons to support that claim. However, with the immense talent currently on display in the league, there are numerous candidates vying for the title of the best player today. Among them, NBA legend and former All-Star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> recently shared his perspective.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>‘s impact remains undeniable after 21 years in the NBA, with statistics that are nearly unparalleled among his peers. Yet, the league now boasts other players delivering exceptional performances for their respective franchises. Rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and established legends such as Stephen Curry are among those who could lay claim to being the league’s top player.



During a broadcast on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> TV following Saturday’s games, Thomas highlighted a player who has transformed his team from struggling in the standings to becoming a formidable contender. Amid widespread criticism and skepticism, the former All-Star weighed in on who he considers the best player in the NBA right now.



“If Embiid [Joel] is at the top of his game, there really is no matchup in the league for him,” Thomas said, referring to the Sixers’ star who has been leading his team through the NBA regular season. “The Joker [Jokic] is the closest, but even he doesn’t stand a chance against Embiid.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241229_BUS_302340_Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-1024x576_a073dad0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Joel Embiid showing off" class="wp-image-255178" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Joel-Embiid-21-of-the-Philadelphia-76ers-poses-for-a-picture-at-media-day-at-76ers-Training-Complex.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a picture at media day at 76ers Training Complex on September 30, 2024 in Camden, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Thomas explains Embiid’s impact on the Sixers</h2>



As the NBA continues to showcase standout performances from top players, Sixers’ star Joel Embiid remains a pivotal force, elevating the league with his immense talent. Alongside teammates Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, Embiid has helped propel the Sixers up the standings, translating their efforts into notable results.


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“When he [Embiid] steps on the floor, his ability to lead is unmatched,” Thomas remarked. “He has this way of connecting with Maxey and George, creating a chemistry that drives the team forward. It’s not just about being on the court together; it’s about how Embiid inspires and energizes those around him.”



Since their last NBA Cup game, the Sixers have been on an impressive run, with Embiid leading the charge. The team has won seven of their last ten games, transforming a dismal 2-14 record into a more promising 12-17, including statement victories over the Celtics and Bulls.



<h2>Embiid’s dominance in the regular season</h2>



The Sixers’ recent success has reinvigorated fans, with many believing the team has the potential to make a late push for the playoffs. Embiid’s leadership has been the cornerstone of this resurgence, giving the franchise hope after a challenging start to the season.



In just 10 games, Embiid has delivered remarkable numbers, scoring 224 points. His efficiency includes 71-of-163 from the field, 12-of-42 from beyond the arc, and an exceptional 70-of-75 from the free-throw line. Additionally, he has grabbed 68 rebounds and dished out 39 assists, further highlighting his all-around impact on the court.

Isiah Thomas reveals his pick for the NBA's best player nowadays

Not LeBron: All-Star Isiah Thomas reveals his pick for the NBA's best player nowadays - Bolavip US

Not LeBron: All-Star Isiah Thomas reveals his pick for the NBA's best player nowadays

Detroit Pistons Hall of Famer <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> has joined a growing list of players, both past and present, expressing frustration over the NBA’s decision to revamp its All-Star Game format. 



The league recently announced that the 2025 All-Star Game will introduce a new structure featuring four teams competing in a mini-tournament instead of the traditional single exhibition game. While some fans have welcomed the change, others, like Thomas, see it as a step in the wrong direction.



Appearing on Come Talk 2 Me, Thomas criticized the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> for veering away from what made professional basketball unique and aspirational. “What made the NBA and professional sports special is that the guys at the park can’t do it,” Thomas said. “Now, all our game is trying to emulate what they’re doing on the streets, what they’re doing at the YMCA. When you become a pro, they aspire to do what you do.”



Thomas went further, saying, “We’ve got it all backwards in the NBA right now. We’re trying to take it back to the park, how we used to play as kids, and the kids are saying, ‘No, we’re trying to be like y’all in the NBA.’ And the NBA said, ‘No, we want to be like y’all in the park.’ And the kids are saying, ‘Alright, I’ll play NBA 2K then, ’cause we’re all the same.’”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241228_BUS_301673_nba-all-star-1024x576_f7c92145.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-301681" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27190546/nba-all-star.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>A general view of the opening tipoff between Eastern Conference All-Stars and Western Conference All-Stars. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Players push back against All-Star changes</h2>



Thomas isn’t alone in his criticism. Several active players have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the NBA’s decision. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant was particularly vocal, stating, “I hate it. I absolutely hate it. Terrible,” via Gerald Bourgue. “We should just go back to East vs. West and just play a game.”


 

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Durant’s teammate Devin Booker echoed the sentiment, adding, “It’s change; it’s different. I’m more into the nostalgia. I agree with Kev. I like East vs. West, with your own team jersey. I like the old jerseys.”



Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis also voiced concerns, saying, “I don’t really like it, but we’ll see how it goes this year. I want two teams—if anything, go back to East and West.”



<h2>Breaking down the new All-Star format</h2>



The 2025 All-Star Game will depart from the single-game tradition and transition into a mini-tournament format. Instead of two teams, four will compete in a series of elimination games.



<ul><li>Team selection: Three teams will be made up of the 24 All-Star players, chosen via voting as in past years. However, the teams will be drafted by NBA analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, who will each select eight players.</li><li>Rising Stars inclusion: The fourth team will consist of players from the Rising Stars game, featuring top rookies, second-year players, and G League standouts.</li><li>Tournament structure: The teams will compete in two semifinal matchups, with each game ending when a team scores 40 points. The winners will advance to the final, where the same rules apply to crown the champion.</li></ul>



The NBA’s aim is to rejuvenate the All-Star Weekend with a more dynamic, competitive and engaging format. Whether the new structure will win over skeptics like Thomas, Durant or Davis remains to be seen.

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Pistons icon Isiah Thomas criticizes the NBA for the new All-Star game format - Bolavip US

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