RealGM

Two players that received a great deal of adulation and press when playing. Both relatively inefficient, high volume scorers. Both on teams that won with strong defensive success around them which they were not particularly key to.

Thomas added good small man defense and strong playmaking to his scoring although his stats had dropped by his peak team success. He also raises his game in the playoffs.

Nique added incredible athleticism and much stronger volume scoring than Thomas plus he continued to score at nearly the same rates and efficiency for over a decade and was beloved by his peers and teammates.

Who do you feel had the better career when all is said and done?

I'd take Thomas for his playmaking advantage. I like Wilkins much more as a player, but he's one dimensional player whose strength wasn't that great and his production regressed in postseason.

Isiah was a clearly better player I think.

Wilkins might have slightly higher peak (arguable) and better longevity (by a margin), but I will take Isiah Thomas for his playoff heroics and leadership.