9 Basketball Players who Played for Bucks and Pistons
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Bucks and the Pistons.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in his rookie year.
He emerged as a key player for the Bucks, earning multiple All-Star selections. During the 2020-2021 season, Middleton played a crucial role in helping the Bucks win their first NBA Championship in 50 years, with his scoring and playmaking being vital to the team’s success.
Additionally, his achievements include winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His versatility and clutch play has made him one of the standout players in the league.
*Middleton was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 24)
Middleton Key Stats
- All-Star (Bucks)
- NBA Championship (Bucks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bucks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bucks)
Jerry Stackhouse
Over his 18-season NBA career, Jerry Stackhouse played for teams including the 76ers, Pistons, and Mavericks. At the University of North Carolina, Stackhouse earned All-American honors and entered the 1995 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Stackhouse’s best years came with the Detroit Pistons, where he was twice named an NBA All-Star and led the league in total points in the 2000-01 season. His scoring prowess and competitiveness were hallmarks of his playing career.
After retiring from playing, Stackhouse transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and was the head coach of the Raptors’ G-League team, Raptors 905, leading them to a championship in 2017.
Stackhouse Key Stats
- All-Star (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (76ers, Pistons, Wizards)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pistons)
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan İlyasova is a professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA and EuroLeague. Born in Turkey, Ilyasova’s professional career started in 2004 with Yeşilyurt in the Turkish Basketball League.
He was later drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and rebounding, Ilyasova played multiple stints with the Bucks and also spent time with several other NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
For his career, Ilyasova averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the NBA.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
Caron Butler
Playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut, Caron Butler quickly gained recognition as a top talent, leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA Tournament. Butler was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Lakers, Wizards, Mavericks, and Clippers, among others. During his time with the Wizards, he formed a formidable trio alongside Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, with Butler earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2007 and 2008.
Butler’s resilience was evident throughout his career, having overcome significant challenges and adversity in his early life. Beyond his playing days, he has been a positive figure in the community, leveraging his platform to address social issues and mentor younger players.
Butler Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- NBA Champ (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
Christian Wood
Christian Wood is a player known for his rebounding and scoring ability. He went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at UNLV.
Wood has bounced around several NBA teams (7 in total) and G League affiliates in his career, including stints with the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks. He finally found a more permanent role with the Detroit Pistons in the 2019-2020 season, where his performances began to turn heads around the league.
In the 2020 offseason, Wood signed with the Houston Rockets. He immediately became one of the team’s top performers, showcasing his offensive skills and rebounding prowess.
Wood Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Rockets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Rockets)
Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih is a player from Slovenia who had a solid career in the NBA. After starting his career in Europe, Udrih was selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
Udrih had the privilege of being part of the San Antonio Spurs’ championship-winning team in his rookie year and once again in his second season. Learning under the guidance of Gregg Popovich and playing alongside legendary Spurs Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker, Udrih gained valuable experience early in his career.
After his time with the Spurs, Udrih played for several teams in the NBA, including the Kings, Bucks, Magic, Knicks, Grizzlies, and Heat. Known for his crafty playmaking and steady shooting, Udrih provided reliable depth at the point guard position throughout his career.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
