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) /

6 of 11

Ray Scott (#22 in white) challenges a shot by Elgin Baylor. /

6. Ray Scott (1961-62)

Ray Scott‘s four-year stint as the Pistons’ head coach was more decorated than his six-year run as a player, but his rookie season in Detroit was certainly impressive.

As the fourth overall pick in the 1961 NBA Draft, Scott was the the second most-accomplished player in his class. Only the top overall pick, Hall of Fame center Walt Bellamy, had a better career.

Scott, a 6’9″ power forward out of the University of Portland, averaged 13.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game during the 1961-62 regular season. In the playoffs, he helped Detroit advance to the West Division finals, averaging 17.3 points, 14.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in the postseason.

During his 11-year career in the NBA and ABA, Scott played for the Pistons, Baltimore Bullets and Virginia Squires. In his time with Detroit, he averaged 16.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, and helped the Pistons make the playoffs twice.

Scott went right into coaching following his playing career, and at just 34 years old, he was hired as Detroit’s head coach in 1972. In his second year on the bench, Scott led the Pistons to a 52-30 record and was voted NBA Coach of the Year. He kept the job until 1976. He is a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and was named to the Pistons’ 30-man all-time team in 2008.

Home/Detroit Pistons