Billy Thomas (born December 23, 1975 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is an American professional basketball player for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thomas' college career was an unlikely one. While scouting another player, University of Kansas head coach Roy Williams kept noticing Thomas making long jump shots. Thomas had not been a highly recruited player, but Williams saw something special in him and offered Thomas a scholarship. In his college career, Thomas set a KU record making 269 3-point field goals (that record was later broken by Jeff Boschee). He also holds the school record for 3-point field goals made in a conference game, connecting on eight of them in a game against Texas on January 10, 1998.
He went undrafted after graduating from the University of Kansas in 1998 and began his NBA career during the 2004-2005 season by signing a 10-day contract with the New Jersey Nets on January 20, 2005. Thomas later signed a second 10-day contract and eventually was signed for the remainder of the season. He appeared in 25 games and averaged 3.7 ppg.
Thomas began the 2005-2006 season with the Washington Wizards. He played in 17 games and averaged 2.2 points.
Thomas has played in the USBL, CBA, IBL and in Europe during his professional basketball career. His ability, unselfishness, and fun-loving attitude have made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
On March 3, 2006, he signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards and appeared in 17 games.
Thomas began the 2007-2008 season with the Colorado 14ers of the NBDL. In 27 games (27 starts), prior to his second NBA call-up, Thomas averaged 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Thomas was selected to play in the 2008 D-League All-Star Game.
On December 24, 2007, Thomas was signed to a ten-day contract with the New Jersey Nets. He played in four games with the Nets, scoring a total of two points.
On February 22, 2008, Thomas was signed to a ten-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers so they would have enough players to face the Washington Wizards that night, due to a depleted roster because of a blockbuster trade the day prior. Thomas saw his first action as a Cavalier that very night, playing 19 minutes and scoring 9 points on three three-point shots. Thomas hoisted 11 three point field goals attempts, his career high.
On March 3, 2008, the Cavaliers signed Thomas to a second ten-day contract. His contract expired on March 13, 2008 allowing Dickens to become a free agent.
On March 20, 2008, Thomas returned to the Colorado 14ers. In his first game back with the 14ers, Thomas put up 14 points.
On April 16, 2008, the Cavaliers signed Thomas for the remainder of the season and the 2008 playoffs. He played in seven regular season games for the Cavaliers scoring 12 total points (on four three-point field goals made) grabbing two rebounds and one steal.
