Isiah Thomas "I don't think Parish could've played in today's era"

[Eddie20]

This was during NBATV's Open Court show during the episode "You Remind Me"...37 minute mark or so. The conversation was about players not being able to play in different eras. It started with Cousy and saying that his style (set shots, dribbling only with his right, etc.) couldn't play in today's era. However, Thomas continued by saying that certain players in today's era couldn't play in the 80's and vice versa.

Paraphrasing here...

"To give you an example, I don't think Sikma or Parish could play in today's era."

He didn't elaborate as to why, especially since Sikma and Parish were two totally different types of players. And if Skima couldn't play, then I guess Laimbeer couldn't play either. So it makes me wonder how Hawes, Bonner, Frye, etc. are playing today. 

[Chris22]

Isiah Thomas is an idiot.

[hpantazo]

Isiah Thomas is an idiot.

Seconded. He bankrupted the CBA and then destroyed the Knicks. Almost every statement he makes about basketball makes him sound even more stupid. He's a jealous, frustrated failure. While Ainge and Bird and even Jordan are managing NBA teams he's on the outside looking in after his repeated disasters.

[knuckleballer]

If Isiah said it, it's probably true.  His record of success as an NBA general manager is unprecedented. 

[Roy H.]

The Chief would dominate in this era. He would immediately be the best center in the NBA.

[knuckleballer]

It's such a preposterous statement.  Parish was still playing in the league in 1997 at the age of 43 for the Chicago Bulls.

[D.o.s.]

The Chief would dominate in this era. He would immediately be the best center in the NBA.

I agree with the second half, but I don't know about the first.

full disclosure: Parish is my favorite Celtic of all time, and it pains me to say that.

[Celtics4ever]

Isiah is a bitter man, I suppose.

[Nerf DPOY]

Are the Knicks still paying Eddy Curry?

[BballTim]

Isiah is a bitter man, I suppose.

  In a way, this is why I liked the nba in the 80s. Rivalries were real. Isiah hated the Celts enough then that he still hates them now.

[knuckleballer]

True and I like Riley's diss of the 80s Celtics last week.  It's good to see the old rivalry hatred live on.

[colincb]

I would think Parish would flourish. Floor runner extraordinaire, less contact, and pretty much unblockable.

Thomas? Couldn't be an NBA executive in any era.

[RebusRankin]

Disagree, both Sikma and Chief would be great today.

With Cousy, no assumption that he'd adapt?

[oldmanspeaks]

Isiah's statement is ridiculous. Parish could run the court, had a high arcing-high release shot that could get over anyone, and could move to get a rebound. I agree there are some old timers that might have difficulty(some short old time forwards for instance) but not Parish. I can think of a number of centers who would have trouble guarding Parish and have trouble thinking of those he couldn't guard-Howard might cause him a problem but Howard causes everyone problems.
 

[Celtics4ever]

In a way, this is why I liked the nba in the 80s. Rivalries were real. Isiah hated the Celts enough then that he still hates them now.

Me, too.  They are too chummy nowadays.  There are exceptions Rondo, Noah, KG, and Wade that have that old school edge.