Top 5 shooting guards in Detroit Pistons history

Vinnie Johnson

Vinnie Johnson‘s numbers don’t exactly scream “top five shooting guard in a franchise’s history”.

In his 10 seasons with the Detroit Pistons he averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 26 minutes per game.

These are serviceable numbers for a backup shooting guard, however they don’t sell you on how great or important he was to the Pistons from 1982 to 1991.

What made Johnson so incredible was his ability to make clutch shots and heat up in an instant.

There’s a good reason he was nicknamed “The Microwave”.

Seriously, just type in Vinnie Johnson’s name into YouTube and the first page is filled with highlight videos showing him going crazy in the fourth quarter or hitting a game winning shot.

More impressive is that so many of these huge moments came in the playoffs.

The Pistons could always rely on Johnson’s scoring ability off the bench to get the team going, something that made him an integral part of the 1989 and 1990 championships.

In game three of the 1989 Finals he hit the first six shots of the quarter, while in game 5 of the 1990 Finals he not only scored 16 points, but he made the game-winning and championship clinching jump shot with just 0.7 seconds left.

Johnson’s numbers might not look the best, but those who know the Pistons know how great he was.

Next: Jerry Stackhouse