Detroit Pistons' top scorers in history: Isiah Thomas and the icons of Motown basketball

Founded in 1937 as a semi-professional team, the Detroit Pistons later became one of the strongest teams in the NBA, winning three championships (1989, 1990, 2004). In recent years, their results have been less consistent, and their scoring records are not among the highest in the league. basketscores.com looks back at the Detroit Pistons' top scorers in history.

Detroit Pistons' top scorers in history

5. Bill Laimbeer (937 games, 12,665 points)

Bill Laimbeer played for the Pistons from 1982 to 1994, during the team’s dominant period. Over his career with the Pistons, he recorded strong numbers: 12,665 total points (5th in team history), 13.5 points per game, 49.8% field goal percentage, and 83.7% free throw percentage.

Unlike many centers of his time who stayed close to the basket, Laimbeer had good shooting ability from mid-range and even beyond the three-point line. He made 202 three-pointers, with a shooting percentage of 32.6%. One of his standout moments came in the 1990 Playoffs, when he hit six three-pointers in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, setting a record for a center at that time. He was also known for drawing fouls, often falling easily on contact to force offensive fouls, which frustrated opponents.

4. Dave Bing (675 games, 15,235 points)

As one of the early stars of the team, Dave Bing had excellent scoring ability, averaging 22.6 points per game for the Pistons. His best season was 1967/68, when he led the NBA in scoring with 27.1 points per game, a rare achievement for a point guard at the time.

Bing was known for his speed, creativity, and strong drives to the basket, along with a consistent mid-range shot. He helped the Pistons remain competitive in the 1960s and 1970s, before the “Bad Boys” era. During his career, he won Rookie of the Year in 1967, was selected to the All-Star team seven times, and had his number 21 jersey retired.

3. Bob Lanier (681 games, 15,488 points)

Another strong scorer, Bob Lanier formed an effective partnership with Dave Bing. While Bing attacked from the perimeter, Lanier controlled the paint, creating one of the most balanced offenses in the league at the time.

With 15,488 points, Lanier ranks third on the Pistons’ all-time scoring list. He averaged 22.7 points per game and had a 50.8% field goal percentage, along with a strong hook shot and reliable mid-range shooting. He also averaged 11.8 rebounds per game, showing his impact on both offense and defense.

2. Joe Dumars (1,018 games, 16,401 points)

One of the longest-serving players in Pistons history, Joe Dumars was known for his efficient mid-range and three-point shooting. During the team’s first championship run, he was the key player, averaging 27.3 points per game in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers and winning the Finals MVP award.

Dumars was also one of the best defenders against Michael Jordan. Jordan himself stated that Dumars was the toughest guard he faced. Dumars was selected to the All-Defensive First Team four times, highlighting his all-around ability.

1. Isiah Thomas (979 games, 18,822 points)

The all-time leading scorer for the Pistons is Isiah Thomas. In addition to points, he also leads the franchise in assists and steals. Although he played fewer games than Dumars, he scored significantly more points.

Thomas was the leader of the Pistons during their most successful era, helping the team compete against top opponents such as the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled guards in NBA history, with the ability to break down any defense.

He was especially known for his scoring in key moments. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1988 NBA Finals, when he scored 25 points in a single quarter despite playing through an ankle injury against the Lakers. Thomas is widely considered the greatest player in Detroit Pistons history.

Detroit Pistons' top scorers in history

1. Isiah Thomas (979 games, 18,822 points)

2. Joe Dumars (1,018 games, 16,401 points)

3. Bob Lanier (681 games, 15,488 points)

4. Dave Bing (675 games, 15,235 points)

5. Bill Laimbeer (937 games, 12,665 points)

BasketScores has reviewed the Detroit Pistons' top scorers in history and their achievements with the team. For more basketball news and articles, visit our page.