NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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PONTIAC, MI – CIRCA 1987: Isiah Thomas /

Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas, No. 2, 1981 NBA Draft

Thomas was selected with the second overall pick in the 1981 draft, between Mark Aguirre by the Dallas Mavericks and Buck Williams by the New Jersey Nets. Thomas made the All-Star team in his first season, and continued to do so until the final year of his career. The pint-sized point guard helped make the Pistons contenders, being the face of the “Bad Boys” to help the team win back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.

Thomas retired with career averages of 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game and was famous for the way he would facilitate early to get his teammates going, then take over the scoring load down the stretch. Never much of a three-point shooter, Thomas scored with slicing layups and a smooth mid-range jumpers. Although his work as an executive and coach with the New York Knicks has damaged his legacy, Thomas is still considered one of the handful of best point guards to ever play in the NBA.

For more than a decade, Thomas was the face of the Pistons. The Hall of Fame guard delivered championships to Detroit, and is one of the greatest players in league history.

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