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All-Decade Team: Best Detroit Pistons of 2010s

By Ryan Love

AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Former NBA players, Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace present Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons with his All Star Jersey before the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 10, 2016 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Former NBA players, Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace present Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons with his All Star Jersey before the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 10, 2016 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – FEBRUARY 29: Tayshaun Prince #22 and Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons try for a rebound against the Charlotte Bobcats on February 29, 2012 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – FEBRUARY 29: Tayshaun Prince #22 and Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons try for a rebound against the Charlotte Bobcats on February 29, 2012 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

All-Decade Third Team

Because of the sad, roller coaster of the last decade in Detroit, the All-Decade Third Team is an odd mix of franchise legends and recent, younger players who have come and gone.

The Vets

As stated earlier, the decade started in the 2009-10 season. Therefore, Ben Wallace and Tayshaun Prince barely made the All-Decade Team from the cutting room floor.

Big Ben and the Prince were the remnants of the “Goin to Work” team that won the championship in 2004. During the 2010s, they were shells of themselves surrounded by losing team after losing team.

AUBURN HILLS, MI – OCTOBER 3: Chauncey Billups #1, Richard Hamilton #32, Tayshaun Prince #22, Ben Wallace #3, and Rasheed Wallace #36 prepare to pose for a portrait during the Pistons Media Day on October 3, 2005 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – OCTOBER 3: Chauncey Billups #1, Richard Hamilton #32, Tayshaun Prince #22, Ben Wallace #3, and Rasheed Wallace #36 prepare to pose for a portrait during the Pistons Media Day on October 3, 2005 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Both players remained positive defenders, but neither lasted long as the changing of the guard in Detroit had begun.

Wallace returned from his stint in Cleveland to average 3.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and one block per game in his last three seasons with the Pistons. Though still an effective defender, he would fall behind first round pick Greg Monroe and into retirement.

Hot. Setting realistic expectations for Sekou Doumbouya. light

Prince bounced around after averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the first three seasons of the last decade with the Pistons. Still an effective role player, he returned to Detroit for one season as a known name on a team without any on it.

Prince, then 34-years-old, still managed to get about 24 minutes per game for a stretch on what would turn out to be a 29-win team.

Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton just missed the cut here.

The New Regime

The All-Decade Third Team rounds out with more familiar faces to younger Pistons fans.

Luke Kennard is one of few current players to make the list after a stellar second season in the league. It was one that saw him become one of the best young shooters in the league.

The last two are also Stan Van Gundy additions that found a way to this team based off contributions that came just short of remaining with the Dwane Casey-led team the Pistons have going forward.

Ish Smith played a pivotal role for the Pistons over the last three seasons.

Smith provided insurance and energy for an injury-riddled Reggie Jackson for teams that were contending for playoff positions – starting over 30 games at point guard tw

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 29: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 29, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 29: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 29, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

o seasons in a row before Jackson returned to play every game in 2018-19.

Smith averaged 10 points and 4.8 assists in his first two seasons in Detroit before Jackson returned to form last year.

The last member of the team is Stanley Johnson.

Johnson was the most polarizing player on the Pistons outside of Drummond during his first three and a half seasons in the league.

Fans – and the team – waited for Johnson to become worthy of the 8th overall pick in 2015 but he fell just short.

Johnson showed promise but was hindered by his shortcomings on offense and his usage while playing under Stan Van Gundy. Johnson had his best season with the Pistons leading the defensive charge into the playoffs against the Cavaliers – only to be swept after four contested games.

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