Detroit Pistons: 10 best rookie seasons in franchise history

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MAY 18: Grant Hill #33 of the Detroit Pistons is presented the 1995 Rookie of the Year Award on May 18, 1995 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Lou Capozzola/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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John Long (#25) /

10. John Long (1978-79)

If there is a Hall of Fame representing Detroit basketball on all levels, John Long deserves a spot. Born and raised in Romulus, Michigan, he was a college star at Detroit-Mercy — where his No. 50 jersey has been retired — before the Pistons drafted him in 1978 in the second round.

In his rookie season, Long averaged 16.1 points and 1.2 steals per game. The 6’5″ shooting guard led the Pistons in field goal attempts and finished second in total points to M.L. Carr, while finishing third in scoring average behind Carr and injury-plagued star Bob Lanier.

The Pistons missed the playoffs that year, going 30-52 under head coach Dick Vitale, but Long was one of the team’s bright spots.

He went on to play 10 seasons for the Pistons. He was the team’s leading scorer (21.9 points per game) in 1981-82 — Kelly Tripucka and Isiah Thomas’ rookie year — and Long came off the bench for spot duty during Detroit’s championship run in 1989.

Long still ranks in the Pistons’ all-time top 10 in points, steals, field goals and free throw percentage.

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