AUBURN HILLS >> Isiah Thomas was always an emotional player for the Detroit Pistons win or lose.
Even though the Hall of Famer is far removed from his playing days, he still appreciates the city of Detroit and it shows.
Thomas, the all-time Pistons leading scorer, was honored at halftime of the Pistons 121-102 win on Wednesday night over the Los Angeles Lakers.
PHOTOS FROM PISTONS WIN OVER THE LAKERS
“So many great memories here and not just basketball memories but people memories. To me those are the things that always stick out in terms of the generations of fans that watched us play here, shared memories here and we had some great games and some great moments just closing one chapter and starting another,”’ Thomas said prior to the game. “It’s an exciting time going back down to Detroit. This place is really special to all of us.”
Thomas received a standing ovation as he took the court to be interviewed at mid-court by longtime announced George Blaha.
They talked about his relationship with Magic Johnson, playing at the Silverdome, how Thomas broke in The Palace with an NBA Championship in 1989 and more.
It was his last visit to The Palace since the Pistons will be moving to Detroit next season. In fact, Thomas said he visited the Little Caesars Arena before making it out to The Palace on Wednesday.
One reason he loves The Palace is he led the Pistons to two NBA championships in the building. But there is more to it than that.
He said his emotions start pulling at his sleeve immediately when he sets foot in the city.
“I alway do (get emotional). I’m such a softie when it comes to Detroit. Again soon a I get off the plane, you walk through baggage claim and (he motions like he’s crying). You know your picture is there in baggage claim … Everything just floods back.
“I’ve said this before this is the only place in the world I go where no matter who I meet male or female we talk to each other like we really do know each other. They may know me, but I know the person i’m talking to is the first time I’ve met him or her but the energy and exchange is like we’ve known each other forever. It’s a very unique experience for me and I’m fortunate enough to be able to experience that type of warmth in any place from people.”
Throughout the game Thomas highlight videos were shown on the big screen and there were plenty of highlights in his Pistons career.
Honoring Isiah
Andre Drummond was born just before the start of Thomas’ final NBA season 1993-94.
“Everybody knows Isiah and the history he brought to this arena and all the memories that he’s brought here,” Drummond said. “You can’t help but really, the dude smiles all the time, he’s a happy guy, his style of play is something that can’t be forgotten here.”
As a point guard for the Pistons, Reggie Jackson is well aware of Thomas’ legacy.
“There’s three championships here, great point guards who came before me who carried this city and carried this team to the promised land and i just hope to do so one day myself,” Jackson said.
While he was too young to watch Thomas in his prime he certainly knows about him.
“I know he’s a great player, crafty in the paint and could do a little of everything. He’s a top 50 player. Of course, we all know he’s one of the best,” Jackson said.
Back to the Drive
Rookies Henry Ellenson and Mike Gbinije were expected to play Wednesday night for the D-League Grand Rapids Drive, then practice with them on Thursday and play again on Friday night.
The two have spent a good deal of time there in the last few weeks since the Pistons have a healthy roster. They’ll return early if needed.
Typically they return to participate in Pistons’ practices, but Van Gundy plans a limited practice for Thursday.
“Those guys need to play, we see them now when they come back they’re playing well in practice because I think they’re in a little bit of a rhythm of playing and have some confidence so that’s good,” Van Gundy said.
This and that
Wednesday was Jon Leuer’s 300th career game. … The Pistons are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, the first time that has happened since 2006-07. … Reggie Bullock, who missed Monday’s game with an illness, was available to play on Wednesday night. … Friday’s game will be George Blaha night. The first 10,000 fans will receive Blaha bobbleheads. He will be honored for his 40-plus years with the organization at halftime.
Up next
The San Antonio Spurs will make their last trip to The Palace on Friday night. … In their first meeting this season the Spurs won 96-86 on Nov. 11 at San Antonio. In that game Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Pau Gasol paced the Spurs with 21 points and six assists. … Detroit has lost three of the last five game and two consecutive at home against the Spurs. … Pistons center Aron Baynes played for the Spurs from 2012 to 2015 helping them win the 2014 NBA championship.
