The Best Detroit Pistons Players in History

February 3, 2012 | Author: Jack Jones | Posted in Basketball

The Detroit Pistons have totaled five Championships, two coming in the NBL and three after becoming a member of NBA. They were founded in 1941 as the Fort Wayne (Zollner) Pistons and were later renamed in1957 as the Detroit Pistons. In the franchise’s history, some of the greatest individual players are Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups. The greatest Detroit Pistons of all time are Isiah Thomas, Chauncey Billups and Joe Dumars.

No. 1 – Chauncey Billups (2002 – 2008)

The most recent Piston’s title was in 2004 and a large part of that title success was a direct result of the outstanding play of Billups. He was named the Finals MVP of the 2004 season against the LA Lakers. In the series he averaged 21 points per game and 5.2 assists per game. In his time spent with Detroit, he led his team to the Conference Championship Series each season, two NBA Finals and that 2004 NBA title. He became a respected leader for the Pistons and easily their best player when he was there.

No. 2 – Joe Dumars (1985 – 1999)

Throughout his career Dumars amassed over 16,000 points but was was known for his defense. He was the defensive stopper of the Piston’s during their successful title runs of the late 80s and early 90s. When Michael Jordan says you are the best defensive player he facedt, it tells how great a defender Dumars was. He was a huge part of the Championship teams of 1989 and 1990 and was named the Finals MVP for 1989. Dumars holds the franchise record for games played and free throws made and attempted. Dumars was a humble player who appeared in six All-Star games, three All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive team selections.

No. 3 – Isiah Thomas (1981 – 1994)

Thomas won two NBA Championships with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990 and was named the Finals MVP in 1990. A giant reason for the Championship success can be attributed to Thomas ‘ zeal to challenge and consistent effort to win basketball games. He’s the Pistons All-time leader in points, assists, minutes, field goals made, field goals attempted, free throws made, free throws attempted and steals. For his time spent with the Pistons, he made 12 All-Star appearances and was a five time All-NBA selection. The Hall of Famer will always be one of the best players to have played the game.

The Pistons frequently fly under the NBA radar and their success goes highly unobserved in comparison to the Bulls or Celtics. The franchise has put together countless great teams, but consistency has been an issue of late. Isiah Thomas brought the most success to the franchise and is the greatest Detroit Piston ever.

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Author: Jack Jones

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