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The Most Iconic Detroit Pistons Bench Players (Post-Teal Era)

By Andrew Brewster

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: LeBron James /
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May 10, 2007 – Chicago, IL, USA – The Detroit Pistons ANTONIO MCDYESS, TAYSHAUN PRINCE against the Chicago Bulls BEN WALLACE in game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the United Center in Chicago. Detroit Pistons beat the Chicago Bulls 81-74. (Photo by Jay Drowns/Sporting News via Getty Images)
May 10, 2007 – Chicago, IL, USA – The Detroit Pistons ANTONIO MCDYESS, TAYSHAUN PRINCE against the Chicago Bulls BEN WALLACE in game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the United Center in Chicago. Detroit Pistons beat the Chicago Bulls 81-74. (Photo by Jay Drowns/Sporting News via Getty Images) /

Antonio McDyess – McDyess was a former NBA All-Star who the Pistons took a flier on after the 2003-04 season. It was a risk, as he was still not far removed from a string of terrible knee injuries. However, he was a beast before the injuries and his signing was a risk Pistons’ fans are glad that the team took.

While he wasn’t the same player after the injuries that he was in the clips above, he did become a key contributor off a championship-contending Pistons’ bench for three seasons. During that span, he averaged a little over 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, and became a fan favorite for his hard work and consistency.

By the end of his tenure, he was actually starting at Center for Detroit. This was a result, of course, of some of the most painful front office decisions I have ever had to endure as a fan of Detroit sports. Yes I am referring to the Detroit Pistons’ decision to first underbid Ben Wallace by $11 million dollars. The second was signing a washed up Chris Webber, but I digress.

At the end of the day, McDyess was a legend of the game who Detroit fans were thrilled to have on the team. He is one of the first names that comes up in conversation regarding bench players on the Pistons, and for good reason. I know I am grateful to have seen such a great player, and I consider it an honor that I was able to watch the Olympic Gold Medalist in action.

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