Detroit Pistons: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

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8. Kelly Tripucka (SF) — No. 12 pick in 1981 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pistons): 352 GP, 21.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.7 TOV, 48.4 FG%, 33.0 3P%, 83.2 FT%

The Pistons double-dipped well in 1981, drafting both Kelly Tripucka and Isiah Thomas in the first round. The Pistons drafted Tripucka with the 12th overall pick and his game complemented Thomas well.

During Tripucka’s second season, he finished third in league scoring, averaging 26.5 points per game while leading the NBA in minutes per game (38.8).

Tripucka played in two All-Star games while in Detroit. His first appearance on the All-Star team was as a rookie, and he was also named to the All-Rookie NBA team. He played in 18 playoff games while in Detroit, and averaged 21.7 points per game during the regular season with the Pistons.

The former All-American spent five seasons in Detroit before being traded to the Utah Jazz in 1986 for Adrian Dantley and two second round draft picks.

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