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Top Ten Individual Seasons in Pistons History

By David Hoffman

Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (left to right) Vinnie Johnson and David Bing and Chauncey Billups and Isiah Thomas smile during a halftime retirement ceremony for Billups in the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Nuggets won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (left to right) Vinnie Johnson and David Bing and Chauncey Billups and Isiah Thomas smile during a halftime retirement ceremony for Billups in the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Nuggets won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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#2:  Bob Lanier (1973-74)

Bob Lanier might be the least appreciated superstar in franchise history. You see his jersey at the Palace, and you might hear his name thrown around by George Blaha now and then. But not many people say his name like they say Isiah, Bing, Ben, or Chauncey.

Lanier was every bit as talented as those players. From 1971 to 1978 he enjoyed the longest and most consistent period of excellence in Pistons history.  Lanier perennially put up numbers approaching 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Defensive statistics only started being kept track of in the middle of this stretch, so picking his best season is not an exact science. But it is hard to imagine him having a better year than the one he had in 1973-74.

“He later ended up joining the not so-exclusive-club of players to punch Bill Laimbeer.”

Lanier scored 22.5 points a game, grabbed 13.3 rebounds, handed out 4.2 assists, and swatted 3 shots a game. He shot over 50% from the field and posted the franchise’s best ever VORP of 8.1.

Lanier and Dave Bing led the team to a 52-30 record and fell in game 7 of the western semifinals on a Pistons specialty, a heartbreaking inbound pass gone wrong. This was the closest Lanier would get to a title with the Pistons. With new GM Jack McCloskey taking over, the Pistons decided to start fresh and trade Lanier.

He later ended up joining the not so-exclusive-club of players to punch Bill Laimbeer. Regardless, the Pistons still hung up his No. 16 jersey and Lanier is in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

Next: #1: Ben Wallace (2001-02)