Detroit Pistons: Key 2nd Rounders In Team History
By Adam McGee
John Long
In the 1978 Draft, the Pistons took John Long from the University of Detroit with the 29th pick of the draft, which prior to expansion, was the second round. Long was the sort of reliable role player, and high caliber teammate that can add great value to an NBA roster.
Long, who was a Michigan native, went on to have three different spells with the Pistons during his career, and became a bit of a cult hero for fans of the organization. Having been a key factor in the run up to building a championship contender in the ’80s, Long was traded in ’86, as Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Vinnie Johnson had the backcourt well covered.
Long would return in ’89 to help guide the organization to their first title, and his leadership, and smooth jump shot are still fondly remembered to this day in Detroit.