Ranking the top 5 players in Detroit Pistons' history

Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons
Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons

#3 Bill Laimbeer

Bill Laimbeer
Bill Laimbeer

Bill Laimbeer was a cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons' hard-nosed defense during the Bad Boys era. He was an elite shot-blocker, as well as a top rebounder.

Laimbeer is the No. 1 rebounder in franchise history following his dominant display on the glass for six consecutive seasons. He led the team in rebounds from 1983-1989 and was the league's top rebounder in 1986.

In the 12 years he spent with the Detroit Pistons, he averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. He also made four All-Star appearances and helped the team win two championships in 1989 and 1990. His No. 40 jersey has been retired by the Pistons.


#2 Joe Dumars

Chauncey Billups #1, Rasheed Wallace #30, President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars (holding trophy) and Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons
Chauncey Billups #1, Rasheed Wallace #30, President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars (holding trophy) and Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons

Joe Dumars played for the Detroit Pistons throughout his professional career. On both ends of the court, Dumars was exceptional, making plays on offense and forcing stops on defense.

Dumars holds a special place in the Detroit Pistons lore, mainly because of his achievements as a player and an executive. After winning two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, he returned to the franchise as an executive and helped the team win their 2004 championship. He is the only Piston that played a part in all three championship victories.

The Hall of Famer leads the Detroit Pistons in number of games played (1,018), as well as three-pointers made (990). He also made five NBA All-Defensive teams, six NBA All-Star appearances, and was the NBA Finals MVP in 1989.


#1 Isiah Thomas

Former Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman pose with the NBA trophies
Former Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman pose with the NBA trophies

Isiah Thomas is by far the best player to have ever put on a Detroit Pistons uniform. He was the leader of the backcourt duo that led the Pistons to back-to-back championship runs during their Bad Boys era.

Watching Thomas play was a sight to behold. He was mainly responsible for denying Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls a deep run in the NBA playoffs before 1991. It is worth noting that he is widely recognized as the second-best point guard in NBA history, behind the legendary Magic Johnson (although many would argue Stephen Curry is on the verge of going past the Pistons legend).

Thomas played his entire career with the Detroit Pistons, making 12 All-Star appearances in 13 seasons. He leads the franchise in minutes played, points, assists and steals, all by a healthy margin.

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