The Detroit Pistons were one of the best NBA teams in the 80s. The players of that team used to play every game as if it were their last, totally dominating the opposition. Their intensity was incredible and that led them to win the NBA championship twice consecutively. In the 2003–04 season, the Pistons won another title, their last to date. For many years, the Pistons have not been up to par and have lost the competitiveness they had during most of franchise history. Although the franchise has gone through ups and downs, they have always had excellent players.
10. Dave Bing
Bing was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 1966 NBA draft and scored 1,601 points in his debut year. He won the Rookie of the Year award in the 1966–67 season. During his stint with the Pistons, Bing averaged 22.6 points, 6.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. He still ranks fourth in franchise history in points and third in assists.
9. Chauncey Billups
After playing for four different NBA teams, Billups finally joined the Pistons in 2002 and spent eight years with them. He led the team to the championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Billups averaged 21 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He still ranks in the top five in franchise history in assists, win shares and VORP.
8. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman joined the Pistons in 1986 and proved to be an excellent player for the team. He was an important player in Piston’s consecutive championships in 1989 and 1990. Rodman’s defense and ability to grab rebounds made the difference. In seven seasons with the team, he averaged 8.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The Worm was named Defensive Player of the Year twice and was named first-team All-Defensive five times.
7. Andre Drummond
Andre was selected by Detroit in the 2012 NBA draft. He spent nine years with the team and displayed an excellent level of skill. He had a 22.1 player efficiency rating, which is the third highest in franchise history. Drummond averaged 14.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game during his tenure with the franchise. The “Big Penguin” ranks second in franchise history in rebounds, third in blocks, fifth in steals and seventh in win shares.
6. Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace played six seasons with the Detroit Pistons and helped the team win a championship in the 2003–04 season. He was named Defensive Player of the Year four times. “Big Ben” recorded a 26.5 Value Over Player Rating, which is the sixth highest in franchise history. He stands first in franchise history in Defensive win shares, second in steals, fourth in rebounds and sixth in win shares.
5. Grant Hill
Grant Hill was the third overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons. Hill was also considered the next Michael Jordan, as he made a huge impact on the league from the very first day. G-Money was named Rookie of the Year in the 1994–95 season. He played six seasons for the Pistons, averaging 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds. 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
4. Bill Laimbeer
Bill Laimbeer started playing for the Pistons in 1982. He is one of the most hated players in NBA history because he was hungry for wins and had a “whatever it takes” mentality. Many fans think of him as a villain, but it can’t be denied that he was one of the greatest players in Pistons history. He ranks in the franchise’s top five in points, rebounds, blocks, win shares and VORP.
3. Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars spent his entire NBA career playing for the Detroit Pistons. His career was 14 years long. Dumars was part of the team that won two consecutive titles in 1989 and 1990. He was the MVP of the 1988-89 Finals, leading the team to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 27.3 points and 6.0 assists per game. Dumars ranks second in the franchise history points, second in assists, third in steals and third in win shares.
2. Bob Lanier
Bob Lainer was one of the most talented players Detroit ever had. He was incredible at both defense and offense. Lainer played 10 seasons with the team and recorded 22.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. His player efficiency rating was 22.8, which is still the highest in franchise history. Unfortunately, he never won a championship ring but still remains one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
1. Isiah Thomas
Without a doubt, Isiah Thomas is the best player in Detroit Pistons franchise history. He spent his entire career with the team and became a two-time champion. Mr.Wonderful was the MVP in the 1989–90 Finals. He averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game during his 13-year career. Thomas is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals and VORP.
Also Read: 10 Best Players in Chicago Bulls Franchise History
