Isiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins Talk LeBron James, Cade Cunningham, and NBA Greatness in Exclusive Interview
Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins are two very different players from very different eras of the NBA. Thomas is a two-time NBA Champion point guard who won his titles with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, while Cousins was one of the best centers of the 2010s, making four All-Star Teams and two All-NBA appearances.
Thomas and Cousins will be coaches for a celebrity 3x3 game at the second edition of BudX NBA House in India, which will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on May 9 and 10.
The duo sat down for an exclusive interview with Athlon Sports, where Thomas spoke about Cade Cunningham's attempt to bring another title to Detroit this season, his take on a dream five-on-five matchup of NBA legends, and a passing comment about LeBron James being the greatest NBA player ever. Meanwhile, Cousins discussed LeBron's longevity and the challenge of returning from an Achilles tear.
Q: You're watching your No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons go through a playoff run. Is there any advice that you have for star point guard Cade Cunningham as someone who's been there, done that for the city of Detroit?
Isiah Thomas: Oh, I would just say to Cade, you know, keep doing what you're doing. He's actually playing the best basketball, probably of his career, right now in the playoffs, and this is when you want to be playing your best basketball. So, I would encourage him to keep doing what he's doing and don't stop.
Q: Boogie, you played alongside LeBron James on the 2019-20 Lakers. Given that you're seeing him at 41 years old still lead a team through the NBA playoffs, is there anything that you saw in your time with LeBron that, you know, explains how he's managing to still do it in year 23?
DeMarcus Cousins: Well, the work, the way he takes care of his body. I think that's the biggest thing as far as to why we're seeing what we're seeing from him at the age he's at. I think he's created a whole new blueprint as far as an athlete and the upkeep of, you know, your temple and your body. So he's a one-of-one, he's special for a reason, he's LeBron for a reason, arguably, you know, one of the greatest to ever do it for all of those reasons listed. But I watched it every day from, you know, the skill workout to the recovery to the strength and conditioning, the leadership, everything is so consistent, and it's 24/7, there's no breaks with what he does when it comes to the game of basketball. So all of those things combined, that's the reason we're seeing, you know, his greatness at this late in his career.
Q: You also went through an Achilles injury, and this year we saw Jayson Tatum return from his own Achilles tear that he suffered last playoffs in under a year. Is there anything that you could share in terms of advice for players like Tatum? We saw Donte DiVincenzo go down with the same injury, and Tyrese Haliburton is also still out. Is there any advice for players who face such a debilitating injury and have to come back to the court and play at the level they're expected to?
DeMarcus Cousins: Just staying strong mentally. When it comes to that injury, that's the hardest part of it. When it comes to athletes, we're stubborn, we think we can overcome anything, and sometimes our stubbornness can be, you know, one of our biggest weaknesses. Also, one of our biggest strengths, but also one of our biggest weaknesses. But just understanding the mental part of it. It's basically learning how to walk again, learning how to run again, learning how to re-trust your body, and it takes time. So staying strong mentally, being patient, and just trusting the process of everything that you have to go through. But the difference for me, when I did it compared to when these guys are doing it, is technology. So technology is a lot more advanced; it's in a way a different place than when I did it, and that's a positive for these young guys. So, the light at the end of their tunnel compared to mine is a lot brighter, you know what I mean? So, for me, I think the mental part is the most important.
Q: If there were two all-time starting fives, one featuring you (Isiah), Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal against Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, and Hakeem Olajuwon?
Isiah Thomas: So, Kobe and LeBron. Yes. So let me just tell you what you what you gave me, right? I got Shaq, who is probably the most dominant center ever to play. I got Tim Duncan, the best power forward to ever play. I got LeBron James, the best player to ever play. I got Kobe, arguably the second or third best player at his position, right? Closest thing to Michael Jordan that we've ever seen playing. And then me. Ain't nobody beating us. It just ain't happening.
Q: Both of you are here as celebrity coaches for BudX NBA House. Zeke, you've been an NBA coach before, and Boogie, you've seen basketball played around the world, you've played it yourself, so you have some an international edge you bring. How do you think the match between your two teams at BudXNBA House will go? Is there anything that you are specifically trying to bring to the table?
Isiah Thomas: I'm going to tell my team, foul hard, use all your fouls, and every time one of his players tries to shoot, really, really foul them hard. (laughs)
DeMarcus Cousins: Well, obviously, with his game plan, have your teammates' back, protect yourself, and just go have fun with the game, man. Some security behind us as well, because they might have to get involved.
Isiah Thomas: Yeah, you ain't going to, you can't have no fun playing against my team. (laughs)
*BUDX NBA House is a high-energy, immersive fan experience celebrating the intersection of basketball, music, style, and culture. The event will also feature Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the Kings' dunk team.*
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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 1:05 PM.