“A lot of teams wouldn’t get 100 points…” Isiah Thomas makes BOLD claim about how ‘Bad Boys’ dominating modern NBA

Detroit Piston legend Isiah Thomas dished on how the 'Bad Boy' Pistons would dominate if placed within the modern NBA.


“A lot of teams wouldn’t get 100 points…” Isiah Thomas makes BOLD claim about how ‘Bad Boys’ dominating modern NBA

Pistons legend Isiah Thomas dishes on possibly dominating modern basketball

Ask anyone about the most feared team in the 1980, and more often than not, the answer will be the ‘Bad Boy’ Detroit Pistons, led by the legendary Isiah Thomas. Thomas was a cornerstone of the franchise, spearheading a team that put fear in grown men, including the likes of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. However, even with their success, Thomas believes that the team would dominate modern NBA teams.

Isiah Thomas recently made a strong case for how his squad would dominate in today’s NBA. Speaking on the Come and Talk 2 Me podcast, Thomas asserted that the defensive prowess and physicality of the Pistons would stifle modern teams. This is particularly in the case of those teams heavily reliant on three-point shooting.

A lot of teams wouldn’t get 100 points, I tell you that… If your objective is to take 50 three-point shots against us, you are going to miss 40 of it. And the 40 that you missed, those are fastbreak layups for us. Those are like turnovers.

Isiah Thomas said on Come and Talk 2 Me podcast
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time stamp: 32:12

His comments were rooted in his belief that today’s NBA, characterized by its perimeter-focused style of play. It plays directly into the strengths of the Bad Boys’ defensive philosophy. The two-time NBA champion explained that his team’s ability to guard the perimeter and disrupt offensive rhythm would give them a decisive edge.

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Isiah Thomas pointed to the versatility and defensive discipline of his teammates. Players like Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, and John Salley were known for their defensive tenacity, often making life difficult for even the best scorers of their era. Thomas further emphasized that his own offensive skills, combined with the team’s relentless defense, would make them formidable against modern NBA squads.

Isiah Thomas credits Mark Jackson for Warriors dynasty success

In addition to reflecting on his own team’s legacy, Isiah Thomas praised podcast host and former Golden State Warriors HC Mark Jackson for his foundational role in shaping the modern NBA. Jackson, who coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014, helped unlock the potential of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, setting the stage for their rise as the “Splash Brothers.”

If Mark Jackson don’t let Steph shoot from the hashmark, don’t let Klay take bad shots and don’t pump them up and say, ‘These are the greatest shooters ever,’ there would be no Steph, there would be no Klay.

Isiah Thomas said on Come and Talk 2 Me podcast

Thomas’s comments brought to the fore the often-overlooked contributions of Mark Jackson as a coach. He identified Curry and Thompson’s potential and gave them the freedom to redefine the limits of NBA shooting, even labeling them the best shooting backcourt of All-Time way back in 2013. Jackson’s trust and foresight laid the groundwork for what would become the Warriors’ dynasty.

Despite Jackson’s pivotal role, he was let go in 2014, with Steve Kerr taking over as head coach. Under Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors won their first championship in 2015, cementing their place in NBA history. They won three more titles and remains one of the most dominant dynasties in the modern NBA.