Name Confusion in the NBA

Isaiah Thomas or Isiah Thomas?

During the Knicks-Kings game at Madison Square Garden on February 15, Sacramento rookie guard Isaiah Thomas was booed by the Knick fans when he entered the game off the bench. Thomas was named after the Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas by his father, then his mother tweaked his given name by adding another A to make it more biblical. The fact that his namesake had an unsuccessful tenure as Knicks GM and coach during the mid-2000s made it easier for the fans to boo the younger Thomas when he entered the Garden court.

We look at other confusing name combinations in the NBA.

Mark Jackson or Marc Jackson?

Both have been involved with the Golden State Warriors in different capacities. The former is currently the team's head coach; the latter played with the team from 2000-02. Mark Jackson played a total of 17 seasons, most notably with the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, earning Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team honors in 1988. He is currently third all-time in assists, trailing Jason Kidd and John Stockton. Marc Jackson played seven NBA seasons, most notably with the Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in 2001.

Jayson Williams or Jason Williams?

Jayson Williams played nine NBA seasons, most notably with the New Jersey Nets, before  a career-threatening leg injury forced him to retire in 1999. Jason Williams, on the other hand, was a rookie for the Sacramento Kings while the former was playing his final game. The latter became a sensation with the Sacramento Kings, famous for no-look passes and crossover dribbles, before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Mike Bibby, which ultimately transformed the Kings into contenders. Jason Williams then faded off the spotlight since, but not before winning an NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006.

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson or Ervin Johnson?

We better know Earvin Johnson as 'Magic', the Hall of Fame guard who won five NBA titles, three MVPs, three Finals MVPs, two All-Star Game MVPs, 12 All-Star appearances among others. Ervin Johnson played 13 NBA seasons, most notably with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Allan Ray or Ray Allen?

Allan Ray, a Villanova Wildcat, played only a season in the NBA, with the Boston Celtics. Ray Allen then joined the Celtics in the 2007-08 season, after the team waived Ray to make room. While Ray was a mere asterisk in Celtics history, Allen went on to shatter the record for the most three pointers made all-time in the 2010-11 season. Aside from the Celtics, Allen also played for the Bucks and the Seattle SuperSonics. 

For Isaiah Thomas to survive in the NBA, he has to prove he can survive playing in the hostile Madison Square Garden, as well as showing that he can be a good point guard like his Hall of Fame namesake. Kindly check back on Thomas after a few years and then we can talk.