Isiah Thomas, a former basketball player and coach, has been married to Lynn Kendall since 1985.
Thomas, born on April 30, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, started his basketball journey at three years old, performing as halftime entertainment with his dribbling and shooting at Catholic Youth Organization games.
He excelled on the courts of St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, under coach Gene Pingatore, setting the foundation for his illustrious career.
Thomas’s college years at Indiana University were highlighted by leading his team to a national championship in 1981, a pivotal moment that paved the way for his entry into the NBA.
Drafted as the second overall pick by the Pistons in the 1981 NBA Draft, he played his entire professional career with the team from 1981 to 1994, embodying the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” identity.
During his time with the Pistons, he led the team to NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, earning the Finals MVP title in 1990.
Celebrated as a 12-time NBA All-Star and a regular on the All-NBA Team, he was renowned for his fierce competitive spirit and exceptional playmaking abilities.
Following his retirement due to an Achilles tendon injury, he transitioned to various leadership and coaching roles.
He coached the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks, and Florida International University (FIU) from 2000 to 2012, where he continued to impact the sport beyond his playing days.
His executive roles included positions with the Raptors and the Continental Basketball Association, demonstrating his prowess in basketball administration.
Isiah Thomas Met His Future Wife, Lynn Kendall, While Attending Indiana University
Isiah Thomas married his lovely wife, Lynn Kendall, in 1985 at Our Lady of Sorrows in a private ceremony.
He met Lynn in the early 1980s while attending Indiana University, and their connection deepened quickly.
The couple announced their engagement in the summer of 1984.
Lynn Kendall is the only child of her father, Gordon Lee Kendall, a Secret Service agent, and her mother, Juanita Kendall, a nurse.
Tragically, her father passed away in December 1992.
Post-high school, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Indiana University and secured a bachelor’s degree in 1987.
Despite her husband’s fame, Lynn maintains a low profile, keeping her personal life private.
Her presence in the media is minimal, and she is not active on social media.
Throughout Isiah’s career, she has been a steadfast support, sharing in both his challenges and triumphs.
Lynn and Isiah were blessed with two children: a son, Joshua, born on June 15, 1988, and a daughter, Lauren, born in 1991.
After their children’s birth, Lynn dedicated herself to raising them and supporting Isiah’s profession.
Joshua is a renowned international hip-house DJ and producer known as ‘Zeke.’
As a s*xual assault survivor, he has become a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness. His love for music helped him recover from his past struggles.
He even released two songs, “Dealin With It” and “Love Me Sober,” to share his journey.
Joshua’s talent is evident in his performances alongside stars like Diana Ross, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga and his collaborations with the NBA’s DJ Shaquille O’Neal.
Beyond music, he co-founded crowdMGMT, consulting for organizations like the New York Knicks and The United Nations while also contributing to his father’s company, ISIAH International.
On the other hand, Lauren has always maintained a more private life than her brother, Joshua.
She is a graduate of Indiana University who works as a brand strategist for Cheurlin Champagne.
Diagnosed with narcolepsy in early 2019 amid other health challenges, Lauren has turned to advocating for invisible illnesses.
She raises awareness via NPR, Project Sleep’s Narcolepsy Nerd Alert Series, Wake Up Narcolepsy’s Narcolepsy 360 podcast, and Instagram.
Isiah also has a son named Marc Dones, born in 1985 from a previous relationship with Jenni Dones.
Marc is a talented poet and writer with a B.A. in mental anthropology from New York University.
He is also the executive director of the National Innovation Service and teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Despite his affair with Jenni, their relationship remained unaffected, and their marriage has thrived for nearly four decades.
There have been no indications of trouble in their marriage, as they continue to show mutual support and respect for one another.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Born to Isiah Thomas II and Mary Thomas, Isiah is the youngest among their nine children.
- He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1987 and later completed a Master’s in Education at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education in 2013.
- He launched Mary’s Court, a foundation dedicated to helping underprivileged families and children in Chicago’s West Side.
