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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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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 13: Rick Mahorn #4 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with his teamates in the locker room after winning the 1989 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, MI. 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 1989 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 13: Rick Mahorn #4 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with his teamates in the locker room after winning the 1989 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, MI. 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 1989 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Rick Mahorn

Rick Mahorn was one of the players who embodied the Bad Boys in every way shape and form. When the Pistons traded for Mahorn, he was a raw young talent for the Washington Bullets, and he was already a bully.

After his first couple of seasons establishing himself as a physical force in the league, the Pistons were able to make a deal to bring in Mahorn and send Dan Roundfield to the bullets, who already had a solid stable of big men and didn’t have much room for Mahorn on their roster.

light. bad boy identity. How the Pistons came to represent the city of Detroit

The Pistons, as we know, would go on to be the most physically dominating team in the league, with Mahorn being one of their centerpieces.

Mahorn’s grit and energy and intensity gave the Pistons an edge and a spark that helped lead them to the title. Though he didn’t put up huge numbers in his time with the Pistons, his edge and presence was enough to complete the Bad Boys and propel the to greatness.

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