Crossing Enemy Lines: A look at players who have played for the Pistons and the Bulls
By Corey Rausch
John Salley
Another original Bad Boy, if nothing else the Spider knew how to pick his spots. At Georgia Tech, John Salley helped his team win the ACC Championship, advance to the Elite Eight, became the school’s all-time shot blocker and got his number retired by the school.
Salley was drafted 11th overall by the Pistons and became a shot-blocking force off the bench. During the 1987-1988 season Salley averaged 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. In the playoffs he was carried this on to average 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. After six seasons in Detroit Salley would appear in three finals with overall averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 blocks.
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He was traded to the Heat in 1992 and then was selected in the expansion draft by the Toronto Raptors in 1995. Negotiating a buyout with the Raptors came at the best time for Salley. He would join the 1996 Chicago Bulls and pick up his third ring in a super limited role.
Salley briefly retired before heading over to play an ill-fated month in Greece before retiring again for two years. He would return for the 1999-2000 season with the Lakers and won his fourth championship ring, becoming the first player to ever win titles in three different decades.