Back Court
Next up is the back court.
I would nominate Isiah Thomas and Derrick Rose.
Why, you ask?
Thomas is a Hall of Famer with quite a track record of success. It includes 12 All-Star nods, two NBA Championships, 1981-1982 Rookie of the Year honors, 1989-1990 NBA Finals MVP honors and more.
Drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1981, Thomas entered the league after playing two years of collegiate basketball in Indiana. He had previously attended high school at St. Joseph in Westchester. Amateur accolades include 1978-1979 McDonald’s All-American honors and 1980-1981 NAACP AP All-America honors.
Thomas spent 13 seasons in the league. He announced his retirement from the Pistons in May 1994.
Unlike Thomas, Rose is still actively playing in the league. He could arguably become a Hall of Famer when his career is over.
Drafted by the Bulls in 2008, Rose entered the league after playing one year of collegiate basketball in Memphis. He had previously attended high school at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Amateur accolades include 2006-2007 McDonald’s All-American honors and 2007-2008 NAACP AP All-America honors.
Rose is currently playing in the league as a member of the Detroit Pistons where he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.