Isiah Thomas took the Detroit Pistons to two NBA Championships while amassing the most points in franchise history.
1. Isiah Thomas – 18,822 Points
Drafted No. 2 out of Indiana in 1981, “Zeke” made the All-Star team in 12 of his 13 NBA seasons and was selected to five All-NBA teams in his career. A wizard with the ball in his hands, Thomas used an elite handle, hard-nosed attitude and ever-present smile to lead Detroit in the “Bad Boy” era. He was a brilliant playoff performer, leading the Pistons to the 1989 and 1990 NBA Championships.
2. Joe Dumars – 16,401 Points
Over 14 NBA seasons, Joe Dumars developed a reputation as one of the league’s foremost defensive players and best sportsmen. Dumars made six All-Star teams during his career in Detroit, peaking at 23.5 PPG in 1993, and earned four All-Defensive first team selections. He was a two-time champion, going on to become the General Manager of the Pistons after his playing days were over.
3. Bob Lanier – 15,488 Points
Drafted No. 1 overall in 1970 after leading St. Bonaventure to the Final Four, Lanier made seven All-Star teams over eight-plus seasons in Detroit. Known for his size-22 sneaker, Lanier became an ambassador for the league in his retirement. The Bob Lanier Community Assist Award is named in honor of him.
4. Dave Bing – 15,235 Points
Bing averaged 22.6 points over eight seasons in Detroit, topping out at 27.0 PPG in 1971, when he finished third in MVP voting. Bing was the Most Valuable Player of the 1976 All Star Game and named to the All-NBA First Team in 1968 and 1971. He went on to be elected Mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2014.
5. Bill Laimbeer – 12,665 Points
A two-time NBA Champion and noted NBA enforcer, Laimbeer spent 12 seasons in Detroit. He peaked at 17.5 PPG in 1985, as part of a three-year run where he made the All-Star team each year. Laimbeer received votes for Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player in the Year in 1984, finishing 12th in each contest. He went on to win a WNBA Championship as coach of the Detroit Shock.
