Isiah Thomas
AP Photo/Gerry Broome

Isiah Thomas made an interesting statement regarding the GOAT debate.

Thomas, a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion, did not include Michael Jordan on the list, but went with Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, himself and LeBron James.

“Now in the White community, that might be different. Tom Brady doesn’t have to speak for and Joe Montana doesn’t have to speak for the White community and uplift them in America.

In the Black community, it’s always been different; whether it be Joe Louis when he was fighting Max Schmeling and how important that fight was; Jesse Owens winning the gold medal in Germany and how important that was, Tommy Smith [and John Carlos].

So when you look at Muhammad Ali; Muhammad Ali wasn’t the greatest because he could knock people out – Muhammad Ali was the greatest because of what he did outside of the playing field; outside of the ring.

So the champion has always carried that mantle; particularly in the NBA – Bill Russell carried it, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar carried it, Dr. J carried it, I carried it and now LeBron is doing it,” Thomas told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy.com, via Fadeaway World.