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Would Blake Griffin make the Detroit Pistons’ all-time starting five?

By Jacob Warfle

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks to the bench during a time out in the fourth quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Milwaukee Bucks defeated Detroit Pistons 110-101. 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. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks to the bench during a time out in the fourth quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Milwaukee Bucks defeated Detroit Pistons 110-101. 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. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons, Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

So how does Blake Griffin stack up all time for the Detroit Pistons?

In his 138 regular season games, Blake scored almost 3,000 points for the Pistons. He will finish with averages of 20.7 ppg, 5.0 apg, and 6.7 rpg.

Although his fit with the team and Andre Drummond, was questionable from the beginning, he found a way to post numbers that cracked some notable top ten’s for the Pistons all-time.

Blake’s 189 3-pointers made in 18-19 season rank as the second most three’s made in a season by a Piston, finishing only two behind Allan Houston in 95-96.

In that same season, Blake scored 1841 points, clocking in at 10th all-time for points in a season by a Pistons player.

Related Story. Lineups and minutes now that Blake is gone. light

We know that Blake’s 2018-2019 was legendary, but it pales in comparison to some of the all-time great single seasons in Detroit.

The highest scoring Pistons’ season belongs to Jerry Stackhouse, with Grant Hill, Dave Bing, and Isiah Thomas rounding out the top spots.

Dennis Rodman holds most single season rebounding records for the franchise. Ben Wallace owns most of the defensive categories. Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill hold top spots in win shares, offensive rating, and PER.

For the sake of this arguement, career numbers are hardly worth noting as many Pistons’ greats spent over a decade with the team, playing long into the playoffs and winning championships.

Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas own most of the career offensive records for the team. Bill Laimbeer owns the rebounding titles, even though Andre Drummond was just a few seasons away from surpassing those numbers.

Looking at it as a whole, it is nearly impossible to argue Blake Griffin for a spot in the all-time starting five. The Pistons just have too many great players in their past. I mean, 19 hall-of-famers have played for the franchise, many earning their legacy in Detroit red, white, and blue.

The all-time backcourt is locked as Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. Although, some of the younger fans may argue Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton over Dumars. This even goes without mentioning other great guards like Dave Bing and Jerry Stackhouse.

For a strong as the all-time Pistons’ backcourt is, the frontcourt isn’t far behind. Blake Griffin has to compete with Grant Hill, Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, Dave DuBusschere, Bob Lanier, and even Andre Drummond.

Even beloved Detroit Pistons such as Rick Mahorn and Tayshaun Prince belong in the mix.

Simply put, there are two types of all-time Pistons: one’s that won championships in Detroit and one’s that didn’t. Blake belongs in the latter.

He will never be held up as high as members of the 1989, 1990, or 2004 championship teams, but he fits right in with the likes of Jerry Stackhouse, Grant Hill, and Andre Drummond.

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