1. Dennis Rodman (1986-93)
Anyone familiar with Dennis Rodman’s career knows that you have to look beyond the awards and individual honors to really appreciate his impact. After all, this was a man who led the NBA in rebounding seven years in a row, but only made the All-Star Game in one of those seasons.
Even with that disclaimer, Rodman’s stint with the Pistons was extraordinarily decorated.
Rodman won the Defensive Player of the Year award twice in Detroit. He was a five-time All-Defensive First Team selection, a two-time All-Star, and one-time All-NBA pick during his seven seasons. He also helped the Pistons win two championships and he twice led the league in rebounding.
The 27th pick in the infamous 1986 NBA Draft began as a backup role player with the Pistons, before turning himself into a star without becoming a big-time scorer. He averaged 8.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, peaking in 1991-92 when he pulled down 18.7 rebounds (a career-high) and scored 9.8 points per game.
Rodman’s time with the Pistons ended after he requested a trade and was sent to San Antonio in 1993. He eventually won three more championships with the Chicago Bulls, established himself as arguably the greatest pound-for-pound rebounder of all-time and one of the best defensive forwards of all-time, and secured a spot in the Hall of Fame.
The Detroit Pistons retired Rodman’s jersey No. 10 in 2011.