Detroit Pistons: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

5. Bob Lanier (C) — No. 1 pick in 1970 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pistons):  681 GP, 22.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.0 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.4 TOV, 50.8 FG%, 77.5 FT%

Bob Lanier, a former All-American from St. Bonaventure, became the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 1970 NBA Draft.

Lanier made eight All-Star appearances, taking home All-Star MVP honors in the 1974 All-Star game. In 1972, he averaged 14.2 rebounds per game, the ninth-best mark in the NBA.

He led the Pistons in scoring from 1972-79 and his 22.7 points per game career average is still ranked No. 1 all-time among franchise players. Dave Bing ranks second with 22.6 points per game, and Jerry Stackhouse rounds out the top three with 22.1 points per game.

Lanier comes in third in total points all-time, trailing only Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars — a feat he accomplished despite playing in fewer games. Lanier scored 15,488 points in his 10-year career as a Piston and played in 681 games. Thomas played in 979 games over 13 seasons and amassed a total of 18,822 points. Dumars is second with 16,401 points scored during his 14 seasons in Detroit.

The Hall of Famer’s career is also highlighted by defensive accomplishments. Lanier is ranked in the top three in all-time in rebounds and blocks among Detroit players. The 6’11” left-handed big man gave the Pistons a tough presence on both ends of the floor and immediately improved the team.