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Detroit Pistons’ greatest gifts of all-time

By Tyler Lucas

Detroit Pistons Ben Wallace. (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Ben Wallace. (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON – 1987: Vinnie Johnson #15 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a jump shot against the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1987 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 1987 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON – 1987: Vinnie Johnson #15 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a jump shot against the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1987 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 1987 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Vinnie Johnson

In November of 1981, Pistons General Manager Jack McCloskey made the move to trade former hometown product and first round pick Greg Kelser to the Seattle Supersonics for their promising young guard Vinnie Johnson.

The Sonics at the time were very interested in Kelser, who brought a combination of size and playmaking, and the Pistons were looking for someone who could come off the bench behind Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars and provide instant offense.

This trade turned into a match made in heaven for the Pistons, while Kelser’s career in the league flamed out after just five seasons due to lingering knee issues.

5 best point guards in Pistons history. light. Related Story

It’s not often that a career bench player gets his jersey hung up in the rafters in the NBA, especially when he’s playing behind a pair of hall of famers in the backcourt, but Johnson managed to do exactly that.

Dubbed “The Microwave” due to the way he was able to instantly able to fill it up off the bench, Johnson went on to torch defenses and provide a spark off the bench throughout his Pistons tenure, putting up 12 points and 3.3 assists per game.

Most notably, Johnson is known for his game winning bucket in the 1990 NBA Finals over the Portland Trailblazers to seal a title for the Pistons. Talk about a gift.

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