Detroit Pistons: Best 5 draft picks in modern franchise history

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Isiah Thomas

When you mention the Detroit Pistons, the first name that comes to mind is Isiah Thomas. Drafted with the second overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, Thomas became the leader of The Bad Boys Pistons era.

Thomas spent all 13 years of his career in Detroit, and led the Pistons to the playoffs for nine straight seasons from 1984-92. The Pistons won the 1989 and 1990 NBA Finals, and Thomas was the Finals MVP in 1990.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

A 12-time NBA-All Star, the legacy Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boys Pistons created transformed them into a legendary NBA franchise. The Detroit Pistons retired Thomas’ No. 11 jersey in February 1996.