Malcolm Thomas (basketball, born 1988)

Malcolm Iseiah Thomas (born November 8, 1988) is an American professional basketball player who last played for Bayern Munich of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and the Euroleague. He played college basketball for the San Diego State Aztecs, where he twice earned All-Mountain West Conference (MWC) second-team honors.

For the Missouri Tigers college basketball player, see Malcolm Thomas (basketball, born 1963).

Malcolm Thomas
Thomas dunking for Khimki in 2018
Free Agent
PositionPower forward
Personal information
Born (1988-11-08) November 8, 1988
San Diego, California
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High schoolCrawford (San Diego, California)
College
NBA draft2011 / Undrafted
Playing career2011–present
Career history
2011Mobis Phoebus
2011–2012Los Angeles D-Fenders
2012San Antonio Spurs
2012→Austin Toros
2012Los Angeles D-Fenders
2012Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2012Los Angeles D-Fenders
2012–2013Maccabi Tel Aviv
2013Los Angeles D-Fenders
2013Golden State Warriors
2013→Santa Cruz Warriors
2013Chicago Bulls
2013Los Angeles D-Fenders
2013–2014San Antonio Spurs
2013–2014→Austin Toros
2014Utah Jazz
2014–2015Philadelphia 76ers
2015Piratas de Quebradillas
2015–2016Los Angeles D-Fenders
2016–2017Jilin Northeast Tigers
2017–2019Khimki
2019Shanxi Loongs
2019–2020Fenerbahçe
2020Bayern Munich
Career highlights and awards
  • Turkish Cup winner (2020)
  • NBA D-League All-Star (2014)
  • 2× Second-team All-MWC (2010, 2011)
  • MWC All-Defensive team (2011)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Early life

Thomas was born in Columbia, Missouri, to his father, also named Malcolm Thomas, and Lori Dawson.[1] His father was an honorable mention All-American basketball player at Missouri and drafted in the sixth round of the 1985 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.[2]

The younger Thomas was raised by his mother and aunts, while his father was not always around.[2] Thomas played at Crawford High School in San Diego, California, helping Crawford to a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) section title in his senior year.[1]

College career
Thomas dunking

Thomas averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds as freshman at Pepperdine University. He transferred to San Diego City College and averaged 21.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.9 blocks and was named California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) co-Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Pacific Coast Conference Player of the Year.[1] He declared early for the 2009 NBA draft, but withdrew after one NBA workout.[3]

He went on to play two seasons at SDSU and twice earned All-MWC second team honors. In his senior year, he was named 2011 All-MWC defensive team after finishing second in the conference in rebounding and blocked shots.[4][5] The team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 that season. He ended his two-year career with the Aztecs as the school's second leading all-time shot blocker and ranked eighth all-time in both rebound average and field goal percentage.[6]

Professional career

2011–12

Thomas went undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft. During the NBA lockout that summer, he signed a $350,000 contract to play a season for Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League.[7] Most overseas rookies made about $100,000–$150,000.[8] The team released him in November 2011, despite his averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and three assists. They wanted a more veteran player, but agreed to pay the remainder of Thomas' salary.[9]

Thomas was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on December 13, 2011.[10] On December 17, he was assigned to the Los Angeles D-Fenders by the Lakers, and was recalled the next day.[11][12] He was waived by the Lakers before the start of the 2011–12 season.[13] He was signed by the D-Fenders on December 28.[14]

On January 11, 2012, Thomas was then signed by the San Antonio Spurs, where he was reunited with former Aztec teammate Kawhi Leonard.[15] He played in his first NBA game on January 13 against the Portland Trail Blazers, getting one rebound in two minutes of garbage time.[16] Thomas was assigned to the Austin Toros on January 30.[17] On February 7, the Spurs waived Thomas.[18] He joined the D-Fenders again on February 9.[12]

Later that season, he signed with the Houston Rockets, who assigned him to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.[19] He then rejoined the D-Fenders, with whom he played in the D-League finals.[20]

2012–13

On October 3, 2012, Thomas signed a one-year contract with EuroLeague club Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel.[21][22] In competition in Israel, he averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, and in EuroLeague competition he had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes in a 70–68 victory over Italian Montepaschi Siena in mid-October.[23] However, after Tel Aviv signed 6-foot-11 Croatian Darko Planinić, his minutes decreased.[23] Thomas was waived by Maccabi Tel Aviv in February 2013.[24]

On March 5, he rejoined the Los Angeles D-Fenders.[25] On March 8, Thomas was called up from the D-League and signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.[26] He was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA D-League on March 12, 2013.[27] He was recalled a day later.[28]

On March 19, 2013, Thomas signed a 10-day contract with the Chicago Bulls.[29] He signed a second 10-day contract on March 29,[30] and signed for the remainder of the season on April 8.[31] On July 23, he was waived by the Bulls.[32]

2013–14

In November 2013, Thomas was reacquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders.[33]

On December 3, 2013, Thomas signed with the San Antonio Spurs[34] and was assigned multiple time to the Austin Toros.[35] On January 23, 2014, he was waived by the Spurs.[36] Two days later, he was claimed off waivers by the Utah Jazz.[37]

On February 3, 2014, Thomas was named to the Futures All-Star roster for the 2014 NBA D-League All-Star Game.[38]

2014–15

On July 22, 2014, Thomas was traded by Utah, along with John Lucas III and Erik Murphy, to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Carrick Felix, a 2015 second round draft pick, and cash considerations.[39] On September 25, he was traded, along with John Lucas III, Erik Murphy, Dwight Powell, and the Cavaliers' 2016 and 2017 second-round picks, to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Keith Bogans and two future second-round picks.[40] Four days later, he was waived by the Celtics.[41]

On October 27, 2014, Thomas signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.[42] On November 10, he was waived by the 76ers after appearing in five games.[43] He had been playing with fluid and loose cartilage in his left knee.[44] On December 23, 2014, he re-signed with the 76ers.[45] On February 22, 2015, he was waived again by the 76ers.[46]

In April 2015, Thomas signed with the Piratas de Quebradillas of Puerto Rico.[47]

2015–16

On October 31, 2015, Thomas was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders, returning to the franchise for a fourth stint.[48] On January 29, 2016, he left the D-Fenders to sign with the Meralco Bolts of the Philippines.[49] However, on February 6, 2016, he was released by the Bolts after suffering an injury before the start of the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[50]

2016–17

On July 30, 2016, Thomas signed with Jilin Northeast Tigers of China for the 2016–17 CBA season.[51]

2017–19

On July 20, 2017, Thomas signed a two-year deal with Russian club Khimki of the VTB United League and the EuroLeague.[52]

2019–20

On December 23, 2019, Thomas was reported to have signed with Fenerbahçe Beko.[53][54] He averaged 2.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in 12 games.[55]

2020–21

On July 28, 2020, he signed a one year deal with Bayern Munich of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) with the option for another season.[55] On December 3, 2020, Thomas and Bayern Munich parted ways.

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) (2017–present)

In the summer of 2017, Thomas played in The Basketball Tournament on ESPN for team A Few Good Men (Gonzaga Alumni). He competed for the $2 million prize, and for team A Few Good Men, he averaged 12.3 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game. Thomas helped take team A Few Good Men to the Super 16 round, where they then lost to Team Challenge ALS 77-60.[56]

Personal

Thomas has a daughter, Mikeala, who was born in 2009.[2]

See also
  •  Sports portal

References
  1. "Player Bio: Malcolm Thomas" (PDF). San Diego State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2011.
  2. Ziegler, Mark (March 8, 2011). "Aztecs' Thomas draws inspiration from daughter". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 14, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  3. Zielgler, Mark (June 20, 2011). "SDSU's Thomas looks like a draft lock". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 19, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  4. "Mountain West Conference Announces 2010–11 Men's Basketball All-Conference Awards" (Press release). Mountain West Conference. Archived from the original on December 14, 2011.
  5. "NBA Draft's Potential Celtics: San Diego State F Malcolm Thomas". WEEI.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2011.
  6. "LAKERS ASSIGN ANDREW GOUDELOCK AND MALCOLM THOMAS TO LOS ANGELES D-FENDERS". NBA.com. December 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 19, 2011.
  7. Amick, Sam. "NBA stars looking abroad in earnest". SI.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011.
  8. Ziegler, Mark (July 6, 2011). "SDSU's Thomas signs with Korean pro team". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011.
  9. Ziegler, Mark (November 28, 2011). "SDSU's Thomas returns from Korea". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011.
  10. Medina, Mark (December 13, 2011). "Lakers sign Gerald Green, Malcolm Thomas". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 14, 2011.
  11. "Lakers send Andrew Goudelock, Marcus Thomas to D-Fenders". Los Angeles Times. December 17, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  12. "2011–12 Transactions". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures. Archived from the original on March 7, 2013.
  13. Media, Mark (December 22, 2011). "Lakers cut roster to 15 players". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 22, 2011.
  14. "D-FENDERS ACQUIRE GERALD GREEN AND MALCOLM THOMAS" (Press release). Los Angeles D-Fenders. December 28, 2011. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012.
  15. "Spurs waive Diogu, reunite rookie Leonard with ex-San Diego State teammate Thomas". The Washington Post. Associated Press. January 11, 2012. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012.
  16. Price, Tim (January 14, 2012). "Notebook: Spurs 99, Blazers 83". NBA.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2012.
  17. "Spurs Assign Malcolm Thomas to Austin Toros". Nba.com. January 30, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  18. "Spurs Place Malcolm Thomas on Waivers" (Press release). San Antonio Spurs. February 7, 2012.
  19. "Rockets Assign Malcolm Thomas to Vipers". Nba.com. March 30, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  20. "Austin beats LA, evens D-League finals". Erie Times-News. April 28, 2012. Archived from the original on May 19, 2012.
  21. "Malcolm Thomas Signs with Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv". Maccabi Tel-Aviv Basketball Club. October 3, 2012. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
  22. Steinberg, Jessica (October 3, 2012). "Maccabi Tel Aviv signs US recruit". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
  23. "Maccabi and Malcolm Thomas are no more". Sportando.net. February 2, 2013. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  24. "Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and Malcolm Thomas part ways". Eurobasket.com. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  25. "Malcolm Thomas returns to the D-Fenders". NBA.com. March 5, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2013.
  26. "Warriors Sign Malcom Thomas To 10-Day Contract". NBA.com. March 8, 2013. Archived from the original on March 8, 2013.
  27. "Golden State Warriors Assign Kent Bazemore and Malcolm Thomas to NBA D-League Affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors". NBA.com. March 12, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2013.
  28. "2012–13 Transactions". NBA.com. March 13, 2013. Archived from the original on November 1, 2011. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  29. "Bulls sign forward Malcolm Thomas to 10-day contract". Nba.com. March 19, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  30. "Bulls sign Thomas to second 10-day contract". Nba.com. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  31. "Bulls sign Thomas for remainder of the season". Nba.com. April 8, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  32. "Bulls waive forward Malcolm Thomas". Nba.com. July 23, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  33. "2013–14 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. November 4, 2013. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  34. Spurs Sign Malcolm Thomas
  35. 2013–14 NBA Assignments Archived July 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  36. "Spurs waive Malcolm Thomas". NBA.com. January 23, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  37. "Jazz Claims Malcolm Thomas Off Waivers". NBA.com. January 25, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  38. Eighth Annual NBA D-League All-Star Game Features 16 Players With NBA Experience Archived February 7, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  39. "Cavaliers Acquire John Lucas III, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy from Utah". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 22, 2014. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  40. Boston Celtics Announce Roster Moves
  41. Celtics Sign Evan Turner
  42. Sixers Sign Free Agent Malcolm Thomas
  43. "Sixers Call Up Drew Gordon From Delaware 87ers". NBA.com. November 10, 2014. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  44. Pompey, Keith (November 10, 2014). "Sixers sign Gordon, release Thomas". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014.
  45. Sixers Sign Free Agent Malcolm Thomas
  46. "Sixers Sign Ishmael Smith". NBA.com. February 22, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  47. "Malcolm Thomas agreed terms with Quebradillas". Eurobasket.com. April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  48. "D-Fenders Finalize 2015 Training Camp Roster". OurSportsCentral.com. October 31, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  49. "Malcolm Thomas Named Commissioner's Cup Import". OneMeralcoSports.com. January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  50. Sacamos, Karlo (February 6, 2016). "Arinze Onuaku replaces injured Malcolm Thomas in last-minute import change for Bolts". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  51. "Malcolm Thomas (ex Meralco Bolts) agreed terms with Jilin Tigers for 1-year $0.7M". Asia-Basket.com. July 30, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  52. "BC Khimki lands Malcolm Thomas". en.bckhimki.ru. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  53. "Malcolm Thomas Fenerbahçe Beko'da". fenerbahce.org (in Turkish). December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  54. "Basketball: Malcolm Thomas joins Fenerbahce Beko Turkish club signs deal with US-born player through end of this season". aa.com.tr. December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  55. "FC Bayern announces Malcolm Thomas". Sportando. July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  56. "Bracket | The Basketball Tournament". www.thetournament.com. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
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