Anderson Cooper

He's a two-time NBA All-Star, and the fact that he's 5'9 inches makes that even more impressive.

But what so impressed me about him is his willingness to speak about loss and his vulnerability.

Two of Isaiah's three sisters have died.

His sister, LaQuisha, died in 2024, and his youngest sister, Chyna, died in 2017 on the eve of the NBA playoffs.

She was killed in a car crash in Washington state.

She was about to turn 23.

The day after China died, Isaiah played in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls.

He played with China's name written on his shoes, and in 38 minutes, he scored 33 points.

A few weeks later, on what would have been China's 23rd birthday, Isaiah scored a career-high 53 points in an overtime victory against the Washington Wizards.

I spoke to Isaiah Thomas May 1st, the day before what would have been China's 32nd birthday.

Can you tell me about Chyna?

There's a great video of Chyna, and if it's okay, do you mind if we play it?

That was a party for the draft.

So the whole family was gathered.

You were picked.

When you got to the Celtics, it was a team that was kind of rebuilding.

Yes.

But you really set the tone.

There's a video, Avery Bradley comes over and puts his arm around you because you're crying.

It was just a beautiful moment.