As an executive, Thomas was the affirmative-action nightmare- and unqualified, pompous, corrosive, arrogant African-American figure who was so over his head he deserved every once of ridicule he deserved. . .but it's easy to forget his greatness as a player. . .tough as nails and perhaps the greatest NBA player ever under 6 feet. . .showed up in the playoffs, played hurt, and won titles. . .an absolute prick and the ultimate competitor. . .too bad those characteristics ruined his front-office career that was probably a mistake to ever begin. . .
