Crossing Enemy Lines: A look at players who have played for the Pistons and the Bulls
By Corey Rausch
James Edwards
Speaking of Bad Boys, James Edwards is the kind of player I like more and more the more we look back at the Bad Boys Pistons, due at least somewhat to his amazing mustache. But do not be distracted by the glory of his facial hair, Edwards was a monster in the paint.
As a rookie with the Lakers he averaged 14.8 points and 7.2 rebounds before being traded midseason to the Pacers. He finished that season with the Pacers averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists and would excel further over the next three seasons with the team. He would then play with Cleveland and Phoenix over the next six and a half seasons before being traded to the Pistons in 1988.
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He was not a starter for the team that lost to the Lakers in the Finals or won the first title and his production suffered for it. Still a key contributor off the bench in those seasons, he truly shined in the second title season. Edwards moved back into the starting lineup, starting 70 games that season and averaged 14.5 points and 4.2 rebounds. He would leave the team after the 1991 season and play for the Clippers, Lakers and Blazers over the next four season before landing with the Chicago Bulls for his final season.
At the age of 40, Edwards was not the player he used to be and only appeared in a limited role for the team starting their second three-peat. That being said, he is a three-time champion and is one of the few players to win a title for both teams.