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) /

7 of 11

Dave DeBusschere during his time with the New York Knicks. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Dave DeBusschere (1962-63)

Most basketball fans associate the late Dave DeBusschere with the New York Knicks, and with good reason.

As a player, DeBusschere won two championships with the Knicks in the 1970s and finished his career with five straight All-Star seasons for New York. The Knicks retired his No. 22 jersey. After his playing days, DeBusschere became a front office executive. In the 1980s, he served as director of basketball operations for the Knicks and drafted Patrick Ewing.

But DeBusschere was originally a Detroiter. Born and raised in the Motor City, DeBusschere starred at Detroit-Mercy in college, and the 6’6″ forward began his pro career with the Pistons as a territorial draft pick in 1962.

He actually played more regular season games in his career for the Pistons than he played for the Knicks. Three of DeBusschere’s eight All-Star nods were with the Pistons. His career-best season averages in scoring and rebounding were during his stint with Detroit.

In his rookie year, DeBusschere averaged 12.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while making the All-Rookie Team. Detroit made the playoffs but lost in the first round to the St. Louis Hawks. In that series, DeBusschere averaged 20.0 points and 15.8 rebounds, including a Game 3 performance in which he recorded 23 points and 26 boards in the Pistons’ only victory of the series.

The Pistons traded DeBusschere to the Knicks in 1968 as part of a deal for Hall of Fame center Walt Bellamy.

Home/Detroit Pistons