11 People who turned their backs on the Detroit Pistons

It might not seem like it now, but the Detroit Pistons are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. 

They’ve had multiple eras of greatness, have won three titles and have had some of the greatest players in NBA history represent the Motor City. 

Up until recently, the franchise had mostly avoided the toxicity that some teams have suffered through, as most of the players who joined the Pistons were happy to do so, played their best and endeared themselves to fans, even if things ultimately didn’t work out. 

But like all teams, the Pistons do have a list of players and coaches that did them dirty one way or another. From some recent players to all-time greats to guys who just said “no,” to arguably the greatest Pistons player of all time, there have been people who have turned their backs on the Detroit Pistons. 

Let’s start with some recent ones and work our way back. 

11 People who turned their backs on the Detroit Pistons  

#11: Killian Hayes 

The Pistons drafted Hayes with the 7th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft with high hopes of nabbing their point guard of the future. That future never came to be, as Hayes never fulfilled his potential. He was given plenty of chances, so many that the Pistons had to cut him just to keep Monty Williams from running him out there. 

But before that, Killian Hayes’ camp reportedly requested a trade, which is rich considering the Pistons were the only team willing to give him a chance. 

This isn’t all on Killian, and I wish him no ill will as he tries to rebuild his career, but he eventually asked off the only team that would have given him the opportunity he enjoyed for four seasons.