Considered as a hallmark organization in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons have been home to some of the best players in basketball history. The Motor City franchise has won three NBA championships and compiled over 2,750 wins in franchise history.
The Pistons moved to Little Caesars Arena during the 2017-18 season. Up in the rafters, 11 numbers hang to represent the legends who have played for Detroit in the past.
For this piece, we take a look at the numbers that are retired by the Pistons and the players who donned them.
No. 1 Chauncey Billups
In eight seasons with the Pistons, Chauncey Billups averaged 16.5 points and 6.2 assists in 482 games.
“Mr. Big Shot” was the 2004 Finals MVP after Detroit defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Billups also made three All-Star teams with Detroit.
No. 2 Chuck Daly
The Pistons retired the No. 2 to honor Daly and his immense contributions to the franchise as a head coach.
He won two titles, as well as 467 games in the regular season and 71 in the playoffs. He is the franchise leader in both categories.
In 1994, Daly was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 78.
No. 3 Ben Wallace
“Big Ben” appeared in 655 games with the Pistons in two separate stints. He averaged 6.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.4 steals.
Ben Wallace won one NBA title and four Defensive Player of the Year Awards with Detroit.
No. 4 Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars played 14 seasons with the Pistons. He put up 16.1 points and 4.5 assists in 1,018 games while establishing himself as one of the best defensive guards in NBA history.
A six-time All-Star with Detroit, Dumars won the 1989 Finals MVP.
No. 10 Dennis Rodman
“The Worm” averaged 8.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in 549 games with the Pistons.
Dennis Rodman was also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star during his time in Detroit.
No. 11 Isiah Thomas
One of the greatest point guards of all time, “Zeke” put up 19.2 points, 9.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 979 games with the Pistons. The Chicago native was a 12-time All-Star with the rival Pistons and the 1990 Finals MVP.
Isiah Thomas made the Hall of Fame in 2000.
No. 15 Vinnie Johnson
“The Microwave” averaged 12.7 points in 798 games with the Pistons.
Vinnie Johnson won two titles in Detroit as well.
No. 16 Bob Lanier
Bob Lanier played 10 seasons for the Pistons. He put up 22.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 681 games.
“Dobber” was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
No. 21 David Bing
“Duke” appeared in 675 games for the Pistons. The combo guard averaged 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists over nine seasons.
David Bing won the 1967 Rookie of the Year Award with Detroit. He made the Hall of Fame in 1990 and is one of the top 50 players of all time.
No. 32 Richard “Rip” Hamilton
Richard Hamilton is one of the best midrange shooters in NBA history. The UConn product put up 18.4 points in 631 games with the Pistons and captured one championship.
“Rip” was also a three-All-Star in Detroit.
No. 40 Bill Laimbeer
The big man averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in 937 games with the Pistons while making four All-Star teams.
Bill Laimbeer won two rings in Detroit.
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