It’s been a long time but the Detroit Pistons were once the best team in the entire NBA.
In fact, in the early 2000s, Detroit was a tough team to beat, they even won the Finals back in 2004.
The power of the team came from its dynamic, powerful players, some of whom were acquired via big trades.
I think that ended up working out for the #Pistons. https://t.co/bWMyptFdbD
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) August 3, 2022
Back on August 3, 2000, the Pistons traded away Grant Hill to the Orlando Magic for Chucky Atkins and Ben Wallace.
Devoted Detroit fans know that Wallace would be a crucial part of the team’s title run, averaging 7.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks a game during his time in Motor City.
Atkins would average 10.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game.
In the end, both of these players became pivotal parts of the team’s history and helped them achieve greatness.
Power Of The Pistons
It really has been so long since the Pistons were truly competitive that modern NBA fans don’t even remember when they were a force in the East.
The most loyal fans are hoping that brighter days are ahead but they have been wishing for that for so very long.
If Detroit does get better, it will be through the draft picks they have been cultivating over the last few years.
They got the number one draft pick, Cade Cunningham, back in 2021 and then earned Jaden Ivey in June’s 2022 draft.
They are cobbling together a competitive team that will model itself after the rough-and-tumble Pistons team of the early 2000s.
The Pistons still have an incredibly long way to go just to make the playoffs but they are at least facing in the right direction after years of being lost.
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