Creating the perfect Detroit Pistons player

Head: Isiah Thomas

For his combination of competitive mindset, leadership qualities and basketball IQ, the easy choice for this one was Isiah Thomas.

“Zeke” was the face of the Pistons for 13 seasons and the leader of two championship squads in 1989 and 1990. He was a pit bull between the lines, but he also understood the game on a genius level. Thomas could get his teammates to follow him into any battle, like King Leonidas in 300.

Thomas’ decision-making track record isn’t spotless — here’s where every Pistons fan has “now there’s a steal by Bird” replaying in their head in a gravelly voice — but he can lead my team any day, and I’d trust him to show us the way to victory against any opponent.