We asked ChatGPT to rank the top players at each position in the Detroit Pistons’ history. We will go position by position reviewing the ranking applied by the AI tool, along with the reasoning given to each player. We will then decide if we agree or disagree with the conclusion. Will the automated bot place higher merit on tangible items such as statistics, while losing human aspects such as leadership and effort?
This week, we asked ChatGPT to rank the top five point guards in Detroit Pistons’ history. This is what it came up with.
"“The Detroit Pistons have had several notable point guards in their history. Here are five top point guards who have made significant contributions to the Pistons:1. Isiah Thomas – Isiah Thomas is widely considered one of the greatest Pistons players of all time. He led the team to two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in both years.2. Chauncey Billups – Known as “Mr. Big Shot,” Chauncey Billups played a pivotal role in the Pistons’ championship-winning team in 2004. He was a key leader and clutch performer, earning NBA Finals MVP honors that year.3. Dave Bing – Dave Bing was a prolific scorer during his time with the Pistons in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a seven-time All-Star and had his number 21 retired by the team.4. Joe Dumars – Although primarily known as a shooting guard, Joe Dumars also played point guard during his career. He was an integral part of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, winning two NBA championships and earning Finals MVP in 1989.”"
Our Thoughts
The list of top Detroit Pistons’ point guards comes to an end after Dumars, showcasing the shallow pool of elite PGs in Detroit’s history. As the AI tool mentioned, Dumars was primarily a shooting guard so his addition to this list was a reach in and of itself. I think most would agree with the top three, however. And in that order as well. Isiah Thomas is arguably one of the top point guards in NBA history, so it only makes sense that he would lead this list. Billups led the resurgence of Detroit basketball with the Going to Work Pistons, and the Hall of Famer Dave Bing’s accolades speak for themselves.
It’s obviously far too soon, but I would not be surprised to see Cade Cunningham find himself encroaching on this list over the next few years. No disrespect to other former point guards, but outside of these three (four including Dumars’ time at point), there isn’t much Cade has to do to join jump in the rankings.