Detroit Pistons: 5 best free agency moves in franchise history

4. Rick Mahorn

Rick Mahorn landed in Detroit during free agency in 1986 via a trade with the Washington Bullets (Wizards). Isiah Thomas might have been the de facto leader of the “Bad Boys” but their grit and bad boy mentality were courtesy of Mahorn.

Mahorn’s style of play epitomized the blue-collar work ethic and drive that fans of the Detroit Bad Boys identified with.

If defense wins championships, Mahorn’s contributions to the Bad Boys’ in 1989 can not be calculated. Dennis Rodman, Mahorn, and Bill Laimbeer formed one of the most formidable defensive units in basketball.

The Pistons lost Mahorn in the NBA Expansion Draft in 1989. The Pistons couldn’t protect all of their players from the expansion draft. Each team had the opportunity to exclude eight players. Detroit GM Jack McCloskey thought leaving Mahorn open for the draft was a safe move because of his well-documented back problems.

After hearing the news, Rodman’s comments summed up the feeling of everyone on the team and the devoted Piston fans.

"“It’s like you’ve just taken the heart out of this team,” Rodman said. “This is a close-knit family and everyone takes it hard.”"

Mahorn is coaching in Ice Cube’s Big 3 league. Three other former Pistons — Chauncey Billups, Corey Maggette and Allen Iverson — are playing in the Big 3 League as well.