Top 10 Detroit Pistons draft picks of all-time

1. Isiah Thomas (1981, first round, second overall)

Career stats: 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds 1.9 steals (13 seasons with Pistons)

Isiah Thomas isn’t only the best draft pick in franchise history, he’s the best player in franchise history.

During Thomas’ career, he played in 12 all-star games, won two championships (in back to back seasons no less), and averaged nearly 20 points and 10 assists for his career. He was also the finals MVP in 1990.

Thomas also had one of the most prolific playoff performances in franchise history, in game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1988 NBA finals. On a a sprained ankle, Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter alone. The Pistons would go on to lose that game, despite Thomas finishing with 43 points, eight assists, and six steals.

Despite his small frame (6’1”, 180 lbs) Thomas was excellent at getting to the rim and finishing with contact. He’s known for having a tough demeanor on the court, and a deep seeded desire to win despite his soft and kind demeanor off the court.

Thomas’ two championships, and career totals of 18,822 points and 9,061 assists were enough for him to be voted as one of the 50 greatest basketball players of all-time.

In his 13 seasons with the Pistons, Thomas made all NBA first-team three times, and all-NBA second-team twice. He was also fifth in MVP voting in 1984, and finished in the top 10 in MVP voting four times.