The Detroit Pistons have a long lineage of great players that dates back to the likes of George Yardley and Dave DeBusschere and continues to the present day in the form of Cade Cunningham. There have been a great many players whose careers were spent largely – if not completely – with the Pistons organization, and it is these athletes who we think about when we reflect on the team’s storied history.
It’s easy to forget that we have had some historically great players pass through Detroit for but a season, often in the twilight of their respective careers. Here are four such players – the four best players to ever spend but a season with the Pistons.
4 Best Players to Spend Just 1 Season with the Pistons
#4 Christian Wood
The first player on the list is the only one still playing, which is somewhat remarkable unto itself. Christian Wood is still just 27 years old and was just 24 during his season with the Pistons. His season in Detroit was very much his breakout season, and he has continued to develop his game since leaving.
Wood’s current career averages of 14.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg are solid, as is his 37.9 percent shooting percentage from deep. As he enters the period of his career when most players are in their prime, Wood should only become more impactful. He is slated to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming season, both of whom can make the players around them better. Wood was born in California, making this a homecoming of sorts for him as well. His motivation would seem to be at an all-time high.
"“Whatever works, whatever the team needs me to do, I’m here to do.”"
The 6-foot-10 big man has had his defense questioned, but he definitely has the length to have an impact on that side of the ball. If he maintains his team-first attitude and absorbs the mentorships he’ll be receiving as a Laker for all they’re worth, he’ll have every chance to get even better than he already is.
Wood can play his way off this list, but he’s unlikely to play his way any higher on it.