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Detroit Pistons All-Time list: Third-Team

By Braden Shackelford

Dec 6, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A detailed view of the basketball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Philadelphia 76ers won 108-101 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A detailed view of the basketball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Philadelphia 76ers won 108-101 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Forward: Adrian Dantley

Career average: 24.3 points, 3.0 assists 5.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals (2.5 seasons with Pistons)

Dantley had a terrific career in the NBA. He was terrific with the Pistons on the court–most of the time–averaging about 20 points per game during his short stent, but his relationship with players and coaches off the court was complicated.

He had the infamous fight with Chuck Dailey because Dennis Rodman was cutting into his minutes and his beef with Isiah Thomas is still festering within him today. Anyone who watched the Bad Boys documentary by ESPN’s 30 for 30 could hear his disdain for Thomas nearly 25 years later. You can listen to a 10 minute interview of Dantley here if you want to hear him gripe about Thomas even more.

Dantley was a great NBA player and a hall of famer. He never won a championship with Detroit and he feels robbed– and he was. But he also could’ve handled the situation much better than he did, or at least much more privately. Maybe if he accepted his role on the team he could have won a championship. Unfortunately Dantley seemed to be more concerned about his individual accolades.

Then again, it’s easy to see why Dantley’s feelings manifested on the court with Daily. Who can blame a career 24 point scorer for being upset about losing playing time?  Especially since his play hadn’t dipped.Who can blame him for the way he felt about Thomas? Thomas’ isn’t exactly as honest or genuine as his smile suggests. He’s not the villain some make him out to be.

Dantley’s time in Detroit may have left negative impressions for both parties, but he is unquestionably one of the best 15 players to ever play for the Pistons.

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