Isiah Thomas blasts NBA legends who exclude LeBron James from top five ranking

Hall of Fame NBA guard Isiah Thomas sent a strong message to NBA legends who exclude LeBron James from their top five list.

On a recent appearance on Fan Duel's Run It Back, Thomas offered a candid explanation for why some NBA legends continue to rank James lower than many fans and analysts do on their all-time lists.

The two-time NBA champion did not hold back, providing his perspective on the criticism and perceived disrespect James receives in all-time rankings.

“Jealousy. Envy…. On the real, y’all know I don’t mess around, right? I’m calling it out. Guys are jealous. They get envious," Thomas said. "Y’all bring them on the show, then they want to talk about what they did or what somebody else did. And then they intentionally ignore the obvious.”

“When you intentionally ignore the obvious, then it has to come back to some jealousy, some envy, or just some straight up BS. This man has every basketball record in the books, and he ain’t in your top five? You full of s**t.”

This is not the first time that Thomas has fiercely defended James and his legacy. Thomas has constantly called James one of the most prolific basketball players to ever play, often arguing that his statistical record and overall game have made him the ultimate player to build a team around. 

James has the talent, accolades and all that comes with it to not only have him in a top five ranking, but to consider him the greatest of all time. 

The 41-year-old forward has done and seen it all in his time in the league. James completed his 23rd season in the NBA and will likely head into his 24th season this fall. 

James' stats speak for themselves, as he is the all-time leading scorer in the regular season and playoffs, first in field goals made, first in playoff wins, has 21 All-NBA selections and is a four-time NBA champion. 

It is uncommon to hear former players from older generations speak so highly of James, as many have often been critical of his place in all-time debates.

However, Thomas has consistently been one of the few legends willing to give James his due, always speaking highly of his play and accolades. 

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