By Damon Knight, Tribune Correspondent
On October 7th, 2019 – the Detroit Pistons announced that there are plans to build an Isiah Thomas statue outside the LCA. The 59-year-old Thomas is considered one of the best point guards in the history of the NBA and the greatest Piston of all-time. He is a two time NBA champion and an MVP for the Pistons in 1990. The native from Chicago would spend his entire career playing for the Pistons. Isiah got inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the year 2000.
To say that a statue built for Isiah Thomas is long overdue is an understatement. Thomas, in 979 games for Detroit, averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He also shot 45.2 percent from the field, 29.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 75.9 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, Thomas ranks eighth all-time in assists with (9,061) during his glorious career.
A statue added to his accolades is certainly well-deserving.
When looking at the list of sports icons in Detroit, the one that is most deserving of having his statue next is the great Barry Sanders. Sanders, now 51, ran his way to history throughout his 10-year career in Detroit. He averaged over 1,500 rushing yards per season and just under 100 rushing yards per game. In 1997, Sanders became the third player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season and win the NFL’s MVP award. When Sanders retired the following season, he fell short 1,457 yards short of the rushing record. Sander’s number 20 jersey was retired by the Lions, and he got inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2004. There is no word yet on when Sanders will get his statue.
Here’s a list of sports icons in Detroit who have their own statues.
● Al Kaline
● Hal Newhouser
● Charlie Gehringer
● Hank Greenberg
● Ty Cobb
● Willie Horton
The Detroit Tigers: Comerica Park
● Gordie Howe
● Ted Lindsay
● Alex Delvecchio
The Detroit Red Wings: Little Caesars Arena
