NBA Legend Thomas is Isiah, a five-letter word. Isiah Thomas was an American professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons from 1981 to 1994. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was also a two-time NBA champion and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time.