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Detroit Pistons: Ranking the top-8 Pistons’ drafts of all-time

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Isiah Thomas #11 of the Detroit Pistons(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Isiah Thomas #11 of the Detroit Pistons(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas
Former Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons’ Top drafts of all time: No. 3

1985: Joe Dumars/ Spud Webb

This was an interesting draft, as the Pistons nabbed one of their all-time greats, as well as one of the most compelling players to ever grace the NBA in Spud Webb.

Dumars became a foundational piece of two title teams as well as the GM who put together another. He was a gifted two-way player who was most famous for being the only guy in the league who could really “slow down” Michael Jordan.

Webb didn’t play for the Pistons, as he was traded to the Hawks, but they did draft him in the 4th round. If you are not familiar (congrats on still having your youth!) go back and watch the Slam Dunk contests featuring Spud Webb, as they are some of the best of All-Time.

Dumars was not only great for the Pistons but made the Hall of Fame and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players of All-Time.

Detroit Pistons’ Top drafts of all time: No. 2

1986: John Salley/ Dennis Rodman

This one may be a personal preference but when you can get two of the core members of the Bad Boys in one draft, that’s pretty good.

John Salley had a long and productive NBA career, winning multiple titles in Detroit before winning one with the Bulls and one with the Lakers, though he was not really a big part of those teams. Salley was a shot-blocking machine and was a key part of the Pistons’ legendary defense from that era.

There is an argument that Dennis Rodman is the greatest second-round draft pick of the modern era, as he ended up being possibly the league’s greatest rebounder of All-Time and a guy whose defense and energy helped bring titles to multiple teams.

Say whatever you want about Rodman’s personal life and antics but what you can’t deny is that the guy was a force. He is a five-time champion, made multiple All-Star and All-NBA appearances and pretty much led the league in rebounding for a decade.

There is an argument that Dennis Rodman is the best pick the Detroit Pistons ever made when you look at his production vs. draft position.

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