Who are the best Detroit Pistons players of all time? We’re talking about one of the most hated NBA teams here, who’ve built a reputation for their grit and overcoming the odds most notably during the “Bad Boys” era.
These players helped shape Detroit’s identity and made them icons of the city. Here’s the ten best Pistons players in history:
10. Vinnie Johnson
Vinnie Johnson was one of the most dangerous sixth men in NBA history. His scoring ability off the bench was crucial to the Pistons’ back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
Johnson’s ability to get hot in an instant made him a valuable asset and earned him the nickname “the Microwave”. He also built a reputation for clutch shooting – most notably his game-winning basket in the 1990 Finals.
9. Richard Hamilton
Richard Hamilton is one of the best Detroit Pistons players of all time due to his key role in the team’s success during the 2000s. Known for his exceptional movement off the ball and mid-range shooting, “Rip” was the heart of the Pistons’ offense.
In nine seasons with the Pistons, Hamilton averaged 18.4 points, earning three All-Star appearances and helping lead the team to an NBA Championship in 2004 where he was named Finals MVP.
8. Bob Lanier
Drafted with the first overall pick by the Pistons in 1970, Bob Lanier went on to become a dominant force in the NBA, with the versatile center earning eight All-Star selections.
Lanier helped push the Pistons to new heights. He went on to average 22.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game during his time in Detroit which led to his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
7. Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince was one of the most consistent players during the Pistons’ successful 2000s run. A key defensive presence, Prince’s ability to guard multiple positions was crucial to the team’s success
Prince went lockdown in the clutch most notably in the 2004 NBA Finals. His memorable Game 2 block against Reggie Miller completely turned the series on its head which the Pistons went on to win, earning Prince a place in Pistons lore.
6. Grant Hill
Before Grant Hill became an Orlando Magic great*, he was one of the best Detroit Pistons players ever. The versatile star could score, rebound, and pass, and he earned five All-Star appearances while in Detroit.
Hill became the team’s centerpiece and one of the game’s greatest all-around players with averages of 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists across six seasons with the Pistons.
5. Chauncey Billups
Known as “Mr. Big Shot” for his ability to hit clutch shots, five-time All-Star Chauncey Billups led the Pistons to the 2004 NBA championship and was named Finals MVP on the back of his leadership, defense and playmaking.
The heart of the Pistons’ dominant team of the 2000s, Billups was a five-time All-Star and is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent players to ever wear the Pistons uniform.
4. Bill Laimbeer
A key figure in the Pistons’ dominant “Bad Boys” lineup, Bill Laimbeer was the team’s enforcer in the paint, known for his rugged, physical style of play. He might not have the flashiest stats, but Laimbeer was a four-time All-Star and helped the Pistons win back-to-back titles. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting also set him apart from many other traditional centers. Laimbeer’s role in the team’s success cannot be understated.
3. Ben Wallace
The greatest undated player in history and the third best Detroit Pistons player in history is Ben Wallace. The anchor of the Pistons’ defense during their 2004 championship run, “Big Ben” was a shot-blocking machine.
A defensive stopper and rebounder, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year featured in four All-Star games and his toughness and relentless energy helped the 2000s Pistons to consistent success and an identity of being a defensive powerhouse.
2. Joe Dumars
A two-time NBA champion and the 1989 NBA Finals MVP, Joe Dumars was a defensive stalwart and one of the most composed shooting guards of his era. Known for his two-way play, Dumars was an elite defender who also could score in clutch moments.
Spending his entire 14-year career with Detroit, the six-time All-Star Dumars created one of the best backcourts in history by complementing Isiah Thomas, with his calm demeanor that balanced Thomas’ fiery leadership.
1. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas is the best Detroit Pistons player ever. He spent his entire 13-season career with the franchise, earned All-Star appearances in all but one of those seasons, and won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
The backbone of the “Bad Boys” era, Thomas was known for his incredible ball-handling skills, leadership, and clutch performances, Regarded as one of the best point guards to ever play the game he finished with averages of 19.2 points and 9.3 assists.
