Detroit Pistons: Ranking The Top 5 Centers in Team History

By David Cuff

Detroit Pistons: Top 5 Centers in Team History

Ben Wallace — The center position used to be the most important in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons have had some dominant centers both past and present. Who are the top five of all time?

5. Andre Drummond

Andre Drummons Pistons

5. Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond Pistons — It’s hard to believe Andre Drummond is on this list after only two seasons in the NBA, but it’s certainly warranted. In only his second season with the Pistons last year, Drummond finished the season second in the NBA in both field goal percentage and rebounding. 10 years from now, we may be talking about Drummond being at the top of this list.

4. Walter Dukes

Walter Dukes Pistons

4. Walter Dukes

Walter Dukes Pistons — Walter Dukes is probably the least known of the all-time great Piston centers, but he certainly belongs on this list. Dukes was one of the few bright spots on the Piston teams during the late 50s and early 60s. During his six seasons in Detroit, he averaged a double-double and made two All Star teams. He is currently sixth on the Pistons' all-time list for total rebounds and third for rebounds per game.

3. Bill Laimbeer

Bill Laimbeer Pistons

3. Bill Laimbeer

Bill Laimbeer Pistons — Bill Laimbeer was one of the original Bad Boys. He was an integral part of the two championship-winning Bad Boy teams, is and one of the more underrated players in NBA history. He, along with Isiah Thomas, were the only two Pistons to play under Chuck Daly for all nine seasons he coached in Detroit. Laimbeer is third on the Pistons' all-time list for total games played and first for total rebounds.

2. Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace Pistons

2. Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace Pistons — Ben Wallace was an absolute workhorse. He led the Pistons' resurgence back to the top of the NBA and played a major role in their 2004 NBA Title victory. Big Ben was a four-time NBA All-Star, four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, and a two-time NBA rebounding champion. He is third on the Pistons' all-time list in total rebounds, second in steals, and is the franchise leader in blocked shots.

1. Bob Lanier

Bob Lanier Pistons

1. Bob Lanier

Bob Lanier Pistons — Bob Lanier’s resume speaks for itself. He is an eight-time NBA All-Star (seven of those coming as a Piston) and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. In 10 seasons with the Pistons, he averaged 22.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG and 2.0 BLKPG. Lanier is third on the Pistons' all-time list in blocks, second in total rebounds, and he is the Pistons' all-time leader in points per game.

David Cuff is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Teams in this article »

Detroit Pistons

Share On Facebook

Share