Known as one of the more notable player agents in the NBA landscape, Henry Thomas has reportedly passed away in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 64. Following from Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman:
Henry Thomas, arguably the most impactful player agent in the Miami Heat’s 30 seasons, died Saturday in Chicago, with Heat forward Udonis Haslem and former Heat guard Dwyane Wade among those who left their teams to travel to Chicago amid Thomas’ failing health.
Thomas, 64, represented Wade, Haslem, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway and several other Heat players, a particularly strong influence with the organization since the arrival of Pat Riley as Heat president in 1995.
Thomas had an extremely close relationship with many members within the Miami Heat organization and has been a part of their identity over the past 20-plus years.
Along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, one of Thomas’ closest clients was veteran power forward and Miami Heat icon Udonis Haslem. Haslem shared just how close he and Thomas were before his tragic death.
“You know, there’s people that come along in your life and they have an impact on you that’ll last forever. And Henry is one of those guys,” Haslem said Saturday, after returning from Chicago. “I thought I was signing with an agent. I signed up for a whole lot more — a father figure, a mentor.
“Your father can prepare you for life on a normal level. When you step in to the NBA, this is another level, this is not normal life. And you need your home father and you need your NBA father. Henry became my NBA father and continued to be my father off the court, as well.”
Obviously, the passing of Henry Thomas is a tough pill to swallow for the Miami Heat organization and the NBA world in general. Prayers up for Thomas’ family, friends, and clients as they persevere through this testing time.
