Top 5 small forwards in Detroit Pistons history

Mark Aguirre

Mark Aguirre was a crucial piece in helping the Bad Boy Pistons win back-to-back titles.

While most of the praise gets deservedly heaped onto higher profile names like Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman, Aguirre’s play was just as important.

Traded to the Pistons from the Dallas Mavericks midway through the 1988-89 season, he made an impact right away.

He started in 32 of the remaining 36 games of the season, slotting in seamlessly to average 15.5 points, 2.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds.

Aguirre was able to transition into the Pistons game plan with ease, giving them another offensive threat to go alongside Thomas and Dumars.

Acquiring Aguirre played a big part in securing the 1989 NBA Championship for the Pistons.

The following season he took more of a backseat, coming off the bench in 40 of his 78 games.

Despite being sent to the bench, he still averaged 14.1 points, 1.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds while playing less minutes per game.

By going to the bench, Aguirre gave the Pistons so much depth and signified what Detroit basketball is all about; a full team of guys combining together rather than leaving it up to one or two stars.

After winning back-to-back championships he continued to come off the bench for the Pistons in the next two seasons, providing solid numbers, but a far cry from his prime.