NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has never been one to hold back his thoughts. Whether it’s on the court, behind the mic, or in conversation, his words carry the weight of experience—and when it comes to his hometown of Chicago, that experience runs generations deep.
In a recent sit-down with me, Thomas opened up about the often-complicated legacy of former Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause. The man many credit with architecting the Bulls’ six championship runs in the 1990s is no stranger to debate, but for Isiah? The verdict is already in.
“Jerry Krause is the best general manager in Chicago sports history,” Thomas told me by phone today ahead of tomorrow’s release of Scoop B Originals Presents: The Freezeout. “There’s nobody else as an executive who brought six NBA Championships to the city of Chicago. Name me somebody else who was better!”
From the West Side to the League
That’s high praise from a player who not only battled Krause’s Bulls during the height of the Pistons-Bulls rivalry, but who also knows the Chicago sports landscape like the back of his hand. Born and raised on the West Side of the city, Thomas didn’t just watch Chicago basketball evolve—he lived it.
In fact, long before he became a Finals MVP, 12-time All-Star, and one of the faces of the legendary “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons, Isiah was just a young kid trying to find his way through the rough streets of K-Town. And it was during those formative years that the Bulls organization made a lasting impression on him.
“I’m from the West Side of Chicago and when I was a kid, Jerry Reinsdorf and his staff were always kind to me,” Thomas recalled. “They used to sneak me and the kids from the neighborhood into the arena. They treated me like family.”
Community First: The Bulls’ Loyalty to Chicago
Those small gestures didn’t go unnoticed. In a city often divided by neighborhoods, barriers, and opportunities, access meant everything. For Isiah, being welcomed into the Bulls’ world offered more than just courtside views—it gave him hope, a sense of belonging, and a model of what community investment could look like.
“I love how Jerry Reinsdorf treated young people and when I became a pro it was even cooler,” he continued. “In addition to Krause, I also appreciated the work of Rod Thorn and Joe O’Neil.”
It’s important to remember that Krause’s legacy is often discussed in terms of friction—with Michael Jordan, with Scottie Pippen, with Phil Jackson. But Thomas offers another lens: one of appreciation. The GM who was often cast as the villain in The Last Dance was, in Thomas’ eyes, the guy who pulled off something no one else in Chicago sports ever had—building a real dynasty.
Standing Their Ground on the West Side
And beyond the accolades, Thomas points to something more significant. During a time when urban flight was a major concern and the city’s West Side was struggling, the Bulls stayed rooted.
“When there was pressure for the Bulls to leave the West Side and move to the suburbs when I was a kid, the Bulls stayed put. That’s pressure and I always appreciated that they stayed.”
That decision to remain in the city, to stay connected to the community that first supported them, stuck with Isiah. It’s a testament, in his view, to the integrity of the organization and the people who ran it. And decades later, that relationship hasn’t faded.
A Personal Bond That Still Runs Deep
“I still have close family, relatives and friends that work for the Chicago Bulls,” Thomas shared. “The Chicago Bulls have been exceptional to my family and I’m thankful for that.”
What makes Thomas’ perspective especially unique is that he didn’t play for the Bulls. He competed against them, stood in their way, and won. Yet he can still recognize the brilliance behind the scenes and the care shown off the court.
His words serve as a reminder that legacy isn’t just about trophies or team banners. It’s also about community, culture, and connection. And when it comes to Jerry Krause, the Chicago Bulls, and the city they represent, Isiah Thomas sees the full picture.
Because for him, it’s personal.
