The minimum of goats: The best players to ever lead the NBA’s foundation

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Complete mini-seasons: 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2018-19
Statistics: 15.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.6 apg, 42.1 FG%

The little engine that could, Thomas captured hearts and minds across the country as the star of the Boston Celtics. Before that, however, Thomas was putting up numbers for a bad team for the Sacramento Kings on a small rookie scale after being the last pick of the 2011 NBA draft.

The 5-foot-9 Thomas had an impressive run with the Kings, including making the All-Rookie Second Team and becoming the shortest player ever to record a triple-double. Thomas loved his followers speaking at City Council meetings for the Kings to stay in Sacramento, and passed his partner who was very excited Jimmer Fredette for his work in the court. There was nothing like him in the NBA, a small man who threw himself up on the rim and climbed seven feet like many trees.

The Kings eventually chose to move Thomas to Phoenix, signing him and trading him on a four-year, $27 million contract with the Suns. Thomas, of course, moved from Phoenix to Boston in a short time, where he stayed “The Fourth King.” Unfortunately, after warning the Celtics that he could do it “You better get Brinks truck out” in his next contract, Thomas suffered a hip injury that interrupted his career, and despite jumping from several teams, he was never able to find a place to stay.

Throughout his career, Thomas has earned a spot on HoopsHype’s the lowest paid players.