Detroit Pistons: Top 5 greatest one-season wonders in team history

4. Dan Roundfield — 1984–1985 season

The Pistons’ resurgence over the 1980s was all made possible by smart draft decisions and the ability to bring in experienced veterans for an added spark to the team.

Among these veterans was Dan Roundfield. After spending six seasons with the Atlanta Hawks with three All-Star appearances, the Pistons acquired him in 1984. The addition made him yet another big option for the Pistons, who totaled six players at least 6’8” or taller.

Roundfield did not have a superb scoring season by his standards, but he provided the Pistons with a reliable two-way post option. He averaged 10.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game over the season. Along with franchise cornerstone Isiah Thomas, the Pistons finished with a 46–36 record, which gave them back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the 1950s.

Roundfield became most known for his efforts in the playoffs. He provided a decent output in the Pistons’ first-round win against the New Jersey Nets. While the Boston Celtics ended the Pistons’ hopes at a deep playoff run in the following round, Roundfield did have a notable 22-point game in Game 2 of the series.

The Pistons subsequently traded Roundfield to the Washington Bullets in the offseason for two players. While he only spent a mere one year in Detroit, he provided a minimal role in paving the way for what would eventually become the revered defensive force that was the Bad Boys Pistons.